Dementia Assessment

A specialist dementia risk assessment combining a 3T MRI brain scan reported by a neuroradiologist, the P-Tau blood test for early Alzheimer's detection, comprehensive blood analysis, and the ACE III cognitive assessment — the gold-standard tool with 97% sensitivity — delivered by a consultant neurologist with over 25 years of memory clinic experience.

Dementia remains one of the most feared diagnoses, yet early identification of risk factors and preclinical changes can meaningfully influence both planning and emerging intervention strategies. This assessment brings together the most current diagnostic tools available in a single structured evaluation. The centrepiece is the P-Tau blood test, which detects phosphorylated tau protein associated with amyloid plaque accumulation in the brain — a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This test has demonstrated approximately 90% accuracy in identifying individuals with early amyloid buildup, offering a practical screening tool that was previously only achievable through invasive lumbar puncture or expensive PET imaging. The blood test is complemented by a 3T MRI brain scan reported by a specialist neuroradiologist, which can identify structural changes including hippocampal atrophy, white matter disease, and vascular pathology that may contribute to cognitive decline. The ACE III (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination) is administered by a consultant neurologist with over 25 years of dedicated memory clinic practice. This validated assessment evaluates five cognitive domains — attention, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuospatial function — and achieves 97% sensitivity in detecting dementia. The cognitive assessment can be completed face-to-face or remotely. Blood analysis covers haematology, renal and liver function, diabetes screening, cholesterol, thyroid function, vitamin D, B12, folic acid, and inflammatory markers — all of which can contribute to or mimic cognitive impairment when abnormal. The final report synthesises imaging, blood, and cognitive findings into a comprehensive dementia risk profile with recommendations for monitoring and, where appropriate, further investigation including optional CT-PET scanning.