Older Adult Psychiatry
Dementia & Memory Assessment in Dubai
Comprehensive dementia and memory assessment for older adults, with a UK-trained consultant psychiatrist at Dubai Healthcare City. Family-inclusive, dignified, and evidence-based.
When memory changes need a specialist
Forgetting the odd name is part of normal life. But when memory, language, judgement or personality change enough to worry the people who know you best, a specialist assessment matters — because some causes of memory loss are treatable, and early diagnosis of true dementia opens the door to medication, planning and support that make a real difference.
Dr. Indira Priyadarshini is a UK-trained consultant psychiatrist with more than a decade of NHS experience, including the assessment and management of dementia and mental health conditions in older adults.
What the assessment includes
- Detailed cognitive and psychiatric history from the patient and a family member
- Standardised cognitive testing (MMSE / MoCA) and mood screening
- Assessment of memory, attention, language, behaviour and daily functioning
- Screening for treatable causes — depression, delirium, thyroid, B12, medication side effects
- Working diagnosis (Alzheimer's, vascular, mixed, Lewy body, fronto-temporal) with onward referral for imaging where needed
- Personalised treatment plan — cognitive enhancers, mood support, sleep, behaviour
- Practical advice for family members and carers, including safety and future planning
Support for families and carers
Dementia is a family diagnosis. We spend time with the people around the patient — explaining what to expect, how to respond to behavioural changes, when to worry, and how to plan for the future. Where helpful we also involve our counselling service for family members struggling with the emotional weight of caring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it's normal ageing or early dementia?
Everyone forgets a name or misplaces keys occasionally. What matters is a change from the person's usual self — repeating the same question within minutes, getting lost on familiar routes, difficulty managing money, or personality and mood changes. A proper assessment is the only reliable way to tell.
Who should come to the appointment?
Ideally the patient and a close family member. Much of a dementia assessment relies on a corroborative history — someone who knows the person well and can describe the changes over months and years.
Do you treat behavioural symptoms of dementia?
Yes. Agitation, sleep reversal, low mood, anxiety and psychotic symptoms are common in dementia. Where medication is needed we start low, review carefully, and prefer non-drug approaches first.
Do you provide reports for family, insurers or legal purposes?
Yes, with the patient's consent. This includes reports on decision-making capacity where families are planning for the future.
Can family members book on behalf of an elderly parent?
Yes — please call +971 4 363 5343 and we will guide you through the process, including whether an in-clinic or home consultation is appropriate.