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Private Memory Clinic at Chase Lodge Hospital, in North London
Expert assessment for memory loss, confusion and cognitive changes
What We Offer
If you or someone close to you is experiencing changes in memory, thinking, behaviour or the ability to manage everyday life, seeking specialist advice can provide clarity and reassurance.
The private Memory Clinic at Chase Lodge Hospital in Mill Hill offers comprehensive, rapid, consultant-led memory assessments without the prolonged uncertainty many patients and families experience while waiting for answers.
The clinic is led by Dr Shane Roche, Consultant Physician in General and Geriatric Medicine, who has particular expertise in dementia, memory impairment, frailty, falls, stroke and the complex healthcare needs of older adults.
Speak to us about:
- Amnesia
- Early dementia
- Memory loss and impairment
- Aphasia — impaired language abilities
- Apraxia — difficulty performing learned movements despite adequate strength
- Agnosia — difficulty recognising familiar objects, people, or things
What Does a Private Memory Assessment Include?
Our all-inclusive memory assessment package (£2,500 self-pay) is designed to provide a complete evaluation in one place, without unnecessary delays.
Choosing a private memory service means you’ll have:
- Fast access – no lengthy NHS waiting times
- Comprehensive care in one visit
- A consultant-led pathway tailored to your needs
Your memory assessment typically includes:
- Consultation with a memory specialist
A detailed discussion of your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. You’ll also undergo neurological and cognitive testing to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. - Blood tests & ECG
These help rule out or confirm underlying causes such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or cardiovascular issues. Identifying treatable conditions can sometimes resolve memory concerns. - Advanced brain imaging
If required, you’ll have an MRI or CT scan at our on-site Imaging and Diagnostic Centre. These tests can detect structural or functional changes in the brain that may explain memory difficulties. - Personalised treatment plan & ongoing support
After your results, your consultant will explain your diagnosis clearly and recommend the next steps. This could include reassurance, lifestyle advice, referral to dementia care, or a second opinion from another specialist.
When Should You Consider a Memory Assessment?
Occasional forgetfulness can happen to everyone, particularly during periods of stress, tiredness or illness. However, memory changes that are persistent, worsening or beginning to affect everyday life should be assessed by a medical professional.
You may wish to arrange an assessment if you or a family member is experiencing:
- Increasing forgetfulness
- Repeatedly asking the same questions
- Difficulty recalling recent conversations or events
- Confusion about dates, times or familiar places
- Problems finding the right words
- Difficulty concentrating or following conversations
- Changes in mood, behaviour or personality
- Struggling with familiar everyday tasks
- Difficulty managing medication, appointments or finances
- Becoming lost in familiar surroundings
- Reduced confidence or independence
- Concerns raised by relatives, friends or colleagues
Memory difficulties do not always mean dementia. A specialist assessment can help identify what may be causing the symptoms and determine whether further investigations, treatment or support are needed.
What Happens During and After a Private Memory Assessment?
Your appointment will provide time to discuss the changes that have been noticed, when they began and how they are affecting everyday life.
Where possible, it can be helpful for a partner, relative or close friend to attend, as they may be able to provide additional information about changes they have observed.
A memory clinic assessment may include:
- A detailed discussion of symptoms and concerns
- Review of medical and family history
- Review of current medication
- Assessment of physical health and existing medical conditions
- Cognitive screening to assess memory and thinking
- Review of mood, behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Assessment of daily functioning and independence
- Physical or neurological examination where appropriate
- Recommendations for blood tests, imaging or further investigations
- A clear explanation of the findings and next steps
The precise assessment and any recommended tests will depend on the individual patient and their symptoms.
Following the consultation, Dr Roche will explain his initial findings and discuss whether any further tests or specialist opinions are required.
Depending on the outcome, the next steps may include:
- Further diagnostic investigations
- Treatment of an underlying medical cause
- Review or adjustment of medication
- Advice about memory, wellbeing and maintaining independence
- A follow-up consultation
- Referral to neurology or another relevant specialist
- Recommendations for additional support or care
- Communication with the patient’s GP or other healthcare professionals, with consent
If dementia or another cognitive condition is identified, receiving a diagnosis can help patients and families understand the changes they are experiencing, consider appropriate treatment and support, and make informed decisions about the future.
What Can Cause Memory Problems?
- Changes associated with frailty or ageing
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Poorly controlled long-term health conditions
- Stroke or other neurological conditions
- Infection or delirium
- Sleep problems
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Depression, anxiety or prolonged stress
- Medication side effects
- Thyroid conditions
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Why Choose Chase Lodge's Private Memory Clinic?
Rapid access to care
With same-week appointments and streamlined same-day diagnostic pathways, we provide fast answers and effective care when you need it most.
On-site blood tests and imaging
Our Imaging and Diagnostics Centre offers comprehensive testing, including blood work, stool analysis, and abdominal ultrasound — all available on-site.
Personalised management for IBS, reflux, and IBD
Our consultants develop tailored care plans for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), combining medical expertise with practical advice to help you regain control and comfort.
Self-pay and insured patients welcome
Our administrative team can assist with pre-authorisation and insurance claims, ensuring your care is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
FAQ’s
Do memory problems always mean dementia?
No. Memory problems can be caused by many different factors, including stress, depression, medication, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid conditions, sleep difficulties and other medical problems. A specialist assessment is needed to investigate the possible cause.
What is mild cognitive impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment, often called MCI, describes noticeable problems with memory or thinking that are greater than expected for a person’s age but do not significantly prevent them from managing everyday activities. Some people with MCI remain stable or improve, while others may later develop dementia.
Can Dr Roche diagnose dementia?
Dr Roche can assess memory loss and cognitive changes, conduct dementia screening and arrange or recommend appropriate investigations. A diagnosis will only be made when supported by the clinical assessment and relevant test results.
Should a relative attend the appointment?
Where possible, it can be helpful for someone who knows the patient well to attend. They may be able to describe changes they have noticed and provide additional information. The patient’s wishes and confidentiality will always be respected.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Please bring:
- A list of current medication
- Details of relevant medical conditions
- Previous test results or medical letters, if available
- Glasses or hearing aids normally used
- Notes about the symptoms and when they began
- Details of any changes noticed by family members
Will I need a brain scan?
Not everyone experiencing memory problems will need a brain scan. Dr Roche will recommend appropriate investigations based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and assessment findings.
Do I need a GP referral?
Please contact our appointments team to discuss the referral information required for your consultation. If you have a GP referral letter, previous medical correspondence or recent test results, please provide these when booking.
Can memory problems be treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Some underlying causes of memory difficulties may be treatable. Where a form of dementia is diagnosed, treatment and support may help manage symptoms, maintain independence and improve quality of life.
How do I book an appointment?
FAQ’s
