Treatments

Young Onset Dementia Assessment in Leicester

Expert Assessment, Clear Diagnosis & Support for Young Onset Dementia at The Health Suite Leicester

At The Health Suite Leicester, we provide private Young Onset Dementia (YOD) assessments, led by a Consultant Psychiatrist, for adults under the age of 65 experiencing concerning changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, or daily functioning. Cognitive symptoms in younger adults are often misattributed to stress, mental health conditions, or burnout. A psychiatrist-led assessment ensures accurate diagnosis, appropriate investigation, and timely treatment.

What is Young Onset Dementia?

Young-onset dementia refers to dementia diagnosed before the age of 65. It can affect people in their 30s, 40s, or 50s and may present differently from later-onset dementia. Symptoms may include changes in:

  • Memory
  • Language
  • Executive function
  • Behaviour or personality
  • Visual or spatial processing

Young-onset dementia is less common but often more complex to diagnose.

Who should consider a young-onset dementia assessment?

An assessment may be appropriate if you or a loved one has noticed:

  • Persistent memory difficulties affecting daily life
  • Problems with planning or problem-solving
  • Changes in personality or emotional regulation
  • Language or word-finding difficulties
  • Reduced work performance unexplained by stress
  • Cognitive decline in someone under 65

Why choose a private psychiatrist-led assessment?

  • Avoid long NHS waiting times
  • Assessment by a Consultant Psychiatrist
  • Clear diagnostic formulation
  • Ability to recommend or arrange brain imaging (MRI)
  • Identification of reversible or treatable causes
  • Initiation of treatment where appropriate
  • Support for work, family, and future planning

Conditions that can mimic young-onset dementia

  • Depression or anxiety
  • Chronic stress or burnout
  • ADHD
  • Sleep disorders
  • Hormonal changes
  • Medication effects
  • Vitamin or metabolic deficiencies

A psychiatric assessment helps distinguish between these possibilities.

Our psychiatrist-led diagnostic approach

The psychiatrist can:

  • Provide a formal clinical opinion
  • Recommend or arrange MRI or other investigations where indicated
  • Initiate medical treatment, including medication where appropriate
  • Coordinate care with neurology and GP services
  • Provide follow-up and monitoring

Why choose The Health Suite for Young Onset Dementia Assessment?

  • Consultant-Led Expertise

    Assessments are conducted by an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in cognitive disorders and young-onset dementia, ensuring accurate diagnosis and expert guidance.

  • Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Care

    We provide a detailed, clinically robust evaluation, including diagnostic formulation, investigation recommendations (e.g., MRI), and personalised treatment and support plans.

  • Timely, Private, and Person-Centred

    Avoid long NHS waiting times with prompt appointments, continuity with the same consultant, and a supportive, patient-focused approach tailored to your needs.

What does the Young Onset Dementia Assessment involve?

  1. Pre-Assessment Information

    Covering symptom history, medical background, medications, and functional impact.

  2. Psychiatric Assessment Appointment

    Exploring:

    • Cognitive symptoms and progression
    • Memory, language, and executive function
    • Behavioural or personality changes
    • Daily functioning and work performance

    Collateral history from a family member may be included.

  3. Diagnostic Formulation and Recommendations

    You will receive:

    • A clear clinical opinion
    • Explanation of findings
    • Guidance on further investigations, including MRI if indicated
    • Practical advice and next steps
FAQ

Common Q&A about Young Onset Dementia Assessment

Your health

Advice from the experts

Checklist

Symptom checker

  • Are you experiencing memory problems that affect everyday life?

    Persistent forgetfulness, difficulty recalling recent events, or frequently losing track of important information can indicate early cognitive changes needing professional assessment.

  • Do you struggle with planning, organising, or decision-making?

    Difficulties with executive functions — such as organising tasks or making decisions — may be signs of cognitive impairment rather than just stress.

  • Have you noticed changes in behaviour or emotional responses?

    Unexplained shifts in behaviour, mood swings, or emotional regulation issues could be early indicators of brain function changes associated with dementia.

  • Are you having trouble finding words or communicating clearly?

    Language issues, such as word-finding difficulties or trouble following conversations, can occur in early dementia and merit evaluation.

  • Is your work performance declining in ways not explained by stress?

    Reduced concentration or organisational skills at work, when not attributable to stress or burnout, might reflect underlying cognitive changes.

  • Do you find visual or spatial tasks increasingly difficult?

    Problems with judging distances, navigating familiar environments, or interpreting visual information can be early signs of cognitive dysfunction.

Related treatments

What we treat

  • Young Onset Dementia (YOD) Evaluation & Diagnosis

    We assess adults under 65 experiencing cognitive change to determine if symptoms align with young onset dementia. Specialist evaluation helps differentiate dementia from other causes, ensuring accurate diagnosis and timely support.

  • Differentiation from Other Cognitive Conditions

    Many conditions — including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or ADHD — can mimic early dementia symptoms. We assess thoroughly to distinguish dementia from other treatable causes or contributors.

  • Memory & Executive Function Impairment

    Persistent problems with memory, planning, organising, or problem-solving are evaluated in detail so that underlying causes can be identified and managed appropriately.

  • Communication & Language Challenges

    Language difficulties — such as trouble finding words or following conversations — are assessed to clarify whether they stem from early cognitive changes.

  • Behaviour, Mood & Daily Function Changes

    We evaluate changes in mood, behaviour, or daily functioning to create a comprehensive clinical picture and guide further investigations or support.

  • many more

    Our clinicians manage a broad spectrum of conditions, and individual assessment allows us to tailor care beyond the examples listed. We encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.

Clinicians

Meet our Young Onset Dementia Assessment Clinicians

Young Onset Dementia Assessment

Treatment options and pricing

£1200/consultation

Memory Clinic (Under 65) – Initial Assessment

Comprehensive memory assessment for adults under 65, with consultant evaluation, cognitive review, and personalised recommendations.

£190/consultation · 30min

Memory Clinic Follow-Up

30-minute memory clinic follow-up to review symptoms, discuss updates, and provide ongoing consultant guidance.

£240/consultation · 60min

Memory Clinic Follow-Up

60-minute memory clinic follow-up to review progress, results, treatment plans, and provide continued specialist support.

Bookings & Enquiries

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