MEMORY CLINICS AT THE TOWER CLINIC
Many older adults worry about their memory, but few consult their doctors. According to the latest research (the lancet 2020 report), there are 12 modifiable risk factors which can prevent or delay up to 40% of dementias. Many of memory problems can occur in middle-aged people. Early investigation and treatment can reduce the chance of developing Dementia in older age. It is never too early or too late in life, to prevent or delay dementia. Interventions should be individualised and consider the person as a whole, as well as their family carers. It is possible to identify your risk factors – many of which are under your control – and advice how to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The sooner you start the better, because the subtlest cognitive decline can start 40 years before a diagnosis – but it is never too late. By measuring your cognitive function now, you can track improvement as you make positive changes.
Although when someone is diagnosed with Dementia, there is no cure for dementia, early treatment can significantly reduce the rate of progress of the condition. A study by the Alzheimer’s Society has shown that more than half of people wait for up to a year before getting help for dementia symptoms, because they feel afraid. But an accurate and early diagnosis can have many benefits.
Tower Clinic Memory Clinics provides early dementia detection for anyone who is displaying signs of dementia, or memory problems and can start them on treatment as soon as possible. Upon receiving your query, you will be contacted to check if you would benefit from a private memory assessment. If this service is felt to be beneficial, you will receive further information about the process. You will then be seen (video consultation, or face to face at Tower Clinic) by an experienced Specialist Doctor who will take a full history and perform a comprehensive memory assessment. Following the initial assessment, and depending on findings of this assessment, you may need to have a dementia screening blood test and CT, or MRI head scan which can be arranged via your GP, or privately by us, this would help exclude other causes to memory difficulties. The second appointment with the Specialist Doctor would be to discuss the outcome of your tests, making a diagnosis, start a treatment plan and signposting to post diagnostic help and supports. If you start taking medication the follow up can be arranged either via your GP, or through our service.
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Dr Amir Sajjadi
Dr Sajjadi is a Medical Doctor and has been working in the NHS for the past 14 years and as an NHS consultant for over 6 years. He holds a Medical Doctorate (MD), a Master’s of Medical Science in Psychiatry (MMSc), and is a member of Royal College of Psychiatrist (MRCPsych). He is also an Approved Clinician and is recognised under section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act as having specific expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems.
Dr Sajjadi has been assessing and treating NHS patients with memory problems for over 10 years. Dr Sajjadi has first hand experience of being a caregiver for a family member with Dementia. He developed special interest in memory problems. His works and research have been mainly focussed on delay and prevention of memory problems. His desertion was a systematic review on vitamins and cognitive functioning. He has been co-author of books and has publications in peer reviewed journals on the specific topics of delay and prevention of memory problems. i.e. “B vitamins and dementia”, “Lifestyle Change and the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia“ and “Recent developments in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease”.
Many older adults worry about their memory, but few consult their doctors. According to the latest research, there are 12 modifiable risk factors which can prevent or delay up to 40% of dementias. Many of memory problems can occur in middle age people. Early investigation and treatment can reduce the chance of developing Dementia in older age. It is never too early or too late in life, to prevent or delay dementia. Interventions should be individualised and consider the person as a whole, as well as their family carers. It is possible to identify your risk factors – many of which are under your control – and advice how to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The sooner you start the better, because the subtlest cognitive decline can start 40 years before a diagnosis – but it is never too late. By measuring your cognitive function now, you can track improvement as you make positive changes.
Dr Sajjadi’s main clinical interests are:
- Prevention and delay of memory problems
- Dementia (Alzheimer, Vascular, Mixed)
- Psychiatrist reports, Capacity assessment and lasting power of attorney
- Anxiety, OCD, phobia, and stress-related disorders
- Depression and bipolar disorder
Dr Sajjadi communicates in English and Farsi (Persian)
We also provide Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) to people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer dementia or any other type of dementia.The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the management of dementia recommend CST for people with mild to moderate dementia “to promote cognition, independence and wellbeing”. Cognitive stimulation is the only non-drug intervention to be recommended for cognitive symptoms and maintenance of function.
CST involves activities and exercises that encourage thinking, concentration, communication and memory in the person with dementia. It involves talking about day-to-day interests, past events and memories, and information relating to the current time and place. This can be done in one-to-one sessions or in a group setting.
People who get a formal dementia diagnosis, could possibly start taking medication (not suitable for some people or some type of dementia) which could slow down dementia’s symptoms. They also would be entitled to a number of benefits including attendance allowance and a 25% discount on their council tax.
For booking appointment please complete Tower Clinic referral form.
If you would like further information – please complete the Referral Form, or the ‘contact us’ page.