Memory Loss
Memory loss is a frequent concern and half of people above the age of 40 years think that their memory is worsening. This may be due to normal ageing and mild deterioration in the brain’s function. Sometimes, it may be due to a disease of the brain that stops it working as it should, such as a stroke or epilepsy. On other occasions, it may be due to dementia, which is more rapid memory loss than e
What it is
Common causes of memory complaints include depression and anxiety, poor sleep, thyroid dysfunction, B12 and folate deficiency, perimenopausal cognitive change, medication side-effects, and (a minority) early Alzheimer's disease, vascular cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia or Lewy body disease. Structured testing distinguishes these reliably.
Symptoms and signs
- Misplacing items, forgetting names, repeating questions — usually mild and not progressive.
- Difficulty with previously easy tasks, getting lost in familiar places, struggling with finances.
- Personality, behaviour or language change — sometimes the first sign of frontotemporal dementia.
- Visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition or REM sleep behaviour disorder — suggests Lewy body disease.
- Stepwise deterioration after vascular events — suggests vascular cognitive impairment.
How we investigate
Structured cognitive examination (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, MoCA), full history with a family informant where possible, depression / sleep / medication review, bloods (FBC, U&E, LFT, calcium, glucose, HbA1c, TSH, B12, folate, vitamin D), MRI brain. Specialist imaging (FDG-PET, amyloid PET, DAT scan) via partner centres where indicated.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Reversible cause optimisation — thyroid, B12, sleep, mood, alcohol, medication review.
- Risk-factor reduction — BP, lipids, diabetes, alcohol, exercise and hearing aid use are the strongest modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.
- Cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine therapy — for confirmed Alzheimer's or Lewy body disease in line with NICE.
- Care planning — advance care planning, driving guidance, occupational and family support coordination.
- Onward referral — to memory clinic, neuropsychology or psychiatry for complex or atypical presentations.
What cognitive tests will I have at my first appointment? +
Your first appointment (90 minutes) includes a structured cognitive examination using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a detailed clinical history with a family informant if possible, and a review of your medication, mood and sleep.
Will I need a brain scan? +
Not everyone needs a scan at the first visit. If the cognitive assessment shows significant impairment, or if there are clinical features suggesting a structural or vascular cause, we arrange an MRI brain through our partner imaging centres — usually within 1–2 weeks.
Can memory loss be reversed? +
Memory loss caused by treatable conditions — thyroid disease, B12 deficiency, depression, medication side-effects, sleep apnoea — often improves significantly with treatment. Dementia-related memory loss is progressive, but the rate of decline can be modified with medication, cardiovascular risk reduction and structured cognitive support.
How is Alzheimer's disease distinguished from normal ageing? +
Normal age-related memory change is slow, affects retrieval more than encoding, and does not impair daily function. Early Alzheimer's characteristically impairs the laying down of new memories, causes repetition of questions and recent events, and affects daily function. Structured testing and, where needed, specialist imaging distinguish them reliably.
Pricing at a glance
Initial neurology / cognitive consultation £260 (90-minute slot, includes formal cognitive testing). Bloods panel from £190. MRI brain from £450. Repeat reviews £190. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book if memory problems have been present for more than 3 months, are progressive, are affecting work or daily activities, or if a family member is worried and you want a structured independent assessment.
Cost and pathway
Initial neurology / cognitive consultation £260 (90-minute slot, includes formal cognitive testing). Bloods panel from £190. MRI brain from £450. Repeat reviews £190.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our consultant neurology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727