How to ask a GP about dementia

Raising your concerns about dementia with a GP can be daunting, but there are things you can do to make your time with the GP more effective.

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Sydney-based GP, Dr Dimity Pond, said:

Many people delay visiting a GP because they don’t want to acknowledge the changes or know if they have dementia. But a timely diagnosis provides access to treatment to slow progression, and support to continue living well.”

“If you, or someone you know is experiencing changes in ability, behaviour, personality, thinking or memory, it might be dementia. If you are concerned, ask your GP for an assessment.”

Raising your concerns about dementia with a GP can be daunting, but there are things you can do to make your time with the GP more effective. Importantly, book a longer consultation so there’s plenty of time to talk, and bring some background information with you about the changes you, or the person you are concerned about, is experiencing.

Who to ask

Ideally, talk to a GP you are comfortable with who knows your medical history. If you don’t have a usual GP, use the Australian Government Healthdirect Service Finder to find a GP. Remember to book a longer consultation so there’s plenty of time to talk.

What to take

If you have completed the Checklist for dementia symptoms and changes, take a printed copy to show the GP. If not, write a list of concerns and take these with you. Write down when you first noticed changes and how often you have difficulties. If this is your first visit to this GP, take a list (or a photograph) of your current medicines.

It’s helpful to have a trusted supporter (spouse, adult child or friend) come along to the appointment to take notes. If the person experiencing changes is unaware or not comfortable talking about the changes, it’s okay for a family supporter to go with them to tell the GP their concerns.

What to say

Let the GP know about your concerns. Tell them what used to be normal for you (or the person experiencing changes) and what has changed. Tell them when you first noticed changes, how often they occur, and whether they are getting worse. For example:

“I/ They have been going to the same supermarket for years, but now I/ they seem to get lost on the way there.”
“I/ They used to manage paying bills online but for the last couple of months I/ they can’t seem to work the computer.”
“I/ They used to cook without recipes but for about a year now, I/ they can’t seem to remember the steps.”

What to ask for

Ask for a comprehensive health assessment. There are many benefits of getting an assessment including:

Finding out if there is no cause for concern, or if the changes are due to another cause and then getting treatment for that concern
If the changes are dementia, getting treatment to slow progression and support to continue living life
Getting a baseline so a health professional can monitor ongoing changes
Finding out how improve your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia.

Health assessments check many aspects of health, including heart, metabolic, mental and brain health. Usually, the assessment will involve blood tests, urine tests, a physical examination, and questions about your health. You can specifically request dementia screening as part of this check-up and discuss any other health conditions that increase your risk.

If you’re 75 years or older, you can ask for a Medicare subsidised 75+ health assessment. These are comprehensive assessments that take up to an hour, and usually involve an examination by the GP and a practice nurse. 75+ health assessments are designed to take a holistic look at the person’s health and provide both prevention and management advise to optimise wellbeing. As part of the 75+ assessment, mood and cognition (thinking) are assessed.

Get further advice if needed

If you are not satisfied with how the GP responds to your concerns, ask them to refer you to a specialist such a geriatrician or memory clinic. You could also try visiting another GP for a second opinion.

For more information, find out how to get the most out of a GP assessment.