Dementia Assessment in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is a dementia assessment?
Dementia is an umbrella word for conditions in which thinking, memory, language or judgement decline steadily enough to change everyday life. A dementia assessment is the diagnostic pathway that answers three questions in order: is there a real decline, is there a treatable cause behind it, and if dementia is present, which type is most likely.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the assessment is led by a consultant neurologist. It brings together the story from the person and their family, a neurological examination, structured memory testing, blood tests and brain imaging through the radiology department. For a broader look at thinking skills without a specific worry about dementia, see cognitive assessment; for ongoing follow-up after a diagnosis, see the memory clinic.
Who needs it
Families usually notice the first signs, often before the person does. Common prompts include:
- Asking the same question several times within an hour
- Getting lost on a familiar route, such as the way home from the mosque or the market
- Difficulty with money, bills or a phone that used to be easy
- Missed or doubled medicine doses
- Changes in personality, suspicion, withdrawal or new irritability
- Losing words, or following conversations with more effort
- A domestic helper reporting unusual behaviour at home, such as leaving the stove on
A gradual pattern over months is the typical reason to book. Memory complaints in younger adults, or after a head injury, are also worth assessing.
What happens
The assessment begins by ruling in or out the reversible causes, because several of them look very like dementia and respond well to treatment:
| Reversible cause | How it is checked |
|---|---|
| Underactive thyroid | Blood test |
| Low vitamin B12 or folate | Blood test |
| Side effects of medicines, especially sleeping tablets, some bladder and allergy medicines | Full medicine review |
| Depression, which can closely mimic memory loss | Conversation and questionnaire |
| Poor hearing or eyesight | Simple checks and referral if needed |
| Infection, low sodium, blood sugar problems | Blood and urine tests |
Next comes cognitive testing: short pen-and-paper and conversational tasks covering memory, attention, language, planning and visual skills. The results show the pattern of strengths and weaker areas, which helps point to the type of dementia.
A brain scan is arranged through radiology, usually an MRI scan or a CT scan, to look for shrinkage, small-vessel damage, old strokes, fluid build-up or a growth. More on scan choices is on the neuroimaging page. An EEG may be added when episodes of confusion come and go.
The main types, in plain words:
- Alzheimer's disease — gradual loss of recent memory is usually the first sign
- Vascular dementia — linked to blood vessel damage, often with high blood pressure or diabetes, and may progress in steps
- Lewy body dementia — fluctuating alertness, vivid visual hallucinations and stiffness or slowness
- Frontotemporal dementia — early changes in behaviour, personality or language, often at a younger age
Where more detailed neuropsychological testing would help, it is arranged by referral.
Preparing for it
- Bring a family member or carer who knows the person's daily routine well
- Write a timeline of changes: when they started and specific examples
- Bring every medicine, including supplements, herbal remedies and eye drops
- Bring hearing aids and glasses, so testing reflects true ability
- Bring previous scans, blood results and reports from other doctors
- Relatives living abroad can send a short written account of what they have noticed on calls or visits
Plan the visit for the person's best time of day, and bring a snack and water.
Afterwards
The neurologist explains the findings with the person and family together, at a pace that suits them. Where dementia is diagnosed, the discussion covers the likely type, what to expect and a practical plan.
Medicines may be offered where suitable: some help with memory and thinking in certain types of dementia, and others help with sleep, mood or distress. Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol control matter greatly in vascular dementia. The neurologist also advises on timing of medicines during Ramadan, if the person wishes to fast.
Planning ahead is part of care. This includes financial and legal arrangements while the person can take part, safe driving (follow UAE licensing guidance and ask the neurologist to advise), home safety, and clear instructions for domestic helpers. Carer support matters too; caring is demanding, and family carers benefit from rest, information and shared tasks. Occupational therapy, speech therapy or other support may be arranged by referral.
Sudden confusion over hours or days is different from dementia and may be delirium from infection, dehydration or medicines — seek urgent medical care the same day. In summer heat, keep the person well hydrated. Call emergency services straight away for sudden weakness, facial droop or slurred speech. Book a follow-up if memory worsens quickly, falls increase, or behaviour becomes hard to manage at home.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans cover a neurology consultation, blood tests and cognitive testing as part of an assessment. MRI and CT scans often need insurance pre-approval, which the team requests once the scan is recommended. Call 06 599 7777 to confirm your cover before the appointment.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks and limits of a dementia assessment?
A dementia assessment carries almost no physical risk; the main considerations are the brain scan, which involves a small radiation dose for CT, and the emotional weight of hearing the results. No single test proves dementia, so the diagnosis rests on the whole picture, and sometimes a clear answer comes only after a repeat assessment months later. Early changes can be too mild to classify with confidence at a first visit.
Is memory loss just a normal part of ageing?
Mild slowing, such as taking longer to recall a name, is common with age, while forgetting recent events repeatedly or struggling with daily tasks is not normal ageing and deserves assessment. An assessment helps separate the two and looks for treatable causes.
Can dementia be cured?
Most types of dementia have no cure, but treatable conditions that mimic dementia, such as thyroid problems, low vitamin B12, depression and medicine side effects, can improve substantially once found. For dementia itself, treatment and support can help with symptoms, safety and quality of life.
My father refuses to see a doctor — what can we do?
Framing the visit as a general health or memory check-up, rather than a dementia test, often makes it easier for a reluctant parent to attend. A family member can call first to share concerns, and it helps to link the appointment to another routine visit.
Should our domestic helper come to the appointment?
A domestic helper who spends most of the day with the person can add valuable detail about sleep, eating, wandering and behaviour, so bringing them or a written account from them is helpful. The family and the person decide together who attends.
Can a person with dementia still drive?
Driving safety depends on the stage and type of dementia, and the neurologist will advise on it as part of the assessment. Follow UAE licensing guidance, and stop driving if the doctor advises it.
Is a dementia assessment covered by insurance?
Most UAE insurance plans cover the neurology consultation and routine tests, and MRI or CT scans usually need pre-approval first. Confirm your cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777.
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