Contact information
If you have any immediate questions or concerns about your assessment or any of the following information on assessing your memory and thinking skills, please contact your clinical psychologist.
Why have I been referred for this assessment?
You, or someone close to you, have noticed that you are having some difficulties with your memory, concentration or another aspect of your thinking. Your doctor has suggested that you have this assessment to measure some of your current skills and abilities.
Who will carry out the assessment?
A clinical psychologist will arrange an appointment with you to conduct the assessment. Clinical psychologists have been trained to perform these assessments and make sense of the results.
What does the assessment involve?
The clinical psychologist will ask you to answer some questions and to complete a number of puzzles and tasks. Each of these is designed to measure how different parts of your brain are working. They will also ask you about your life in general and any difficulties you have noticed.
You can have a close family member or friend accompany you to the appointment if this would help you feel more comfortable or confident. They may also be able to share helpful information with us.
How will the assessment help?
Information gathered from the assessment can be useful in a number of ways. It can help your doctor understand what problems you are experiencing and why this might be. This enables them to provide appropriate support and assistance.
Assessments can be repeated in the future to see if your problems have got better, worse or stayed the same.
How long will the assessment take?
The assessment is usually completed over two or three appointments, lasting roughly 90 minutes each.
Where will the assessment take place?
The assessment will usually take place in the clinical psychologist’s office at the hospital. Sometimes part of the assessment may take place in your home.
Is there anything I need to take to the assessment?
If you wear glasses or use a hearing aid you will need to bring these to the assessment to help you.
Will I find out the results of the assessment?
The clinical psychologist or doctor will arrange to meet with you after the assessment to talk about the results. Some people prefer more detailed feedback than others. You can discuss this with your clinical psychologist.
Will anyone else be told the results of the assessment?
The clinical psychologist will write to the doctor who referred you to let them know the results of the assessment. You may wish to have a written report of the results of the assessment.
What if I drive a vehicle?
If the professionals involved in your care tell you they have any concerns about your ability to drive, you have a legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). It is also best to inform your insurance company. This does not mean that you will automatically be stopped from driving.
Medical advisors at the DVLA may want to contact the professionals who have been involved in your assessment for more information about your difficulties. This information could include the results of this assessment.
L1033, V1, 12/01/2019 (Archive: 12/02/2022)
