Cognitive disorders clinic

The Cognitive Disorders Service runs in parallel with the Dementia Research Centre (DRC), part of the Department of Neurodegenerative Disease at the UCL Institute of Neurology (ION). The clinical and research components form a national centre of excellence for diagnosis and treatment of patients with cognitive problems, and the group is recognised internationally for ground-breaking research in dementia.

All forms of cognitive disorder are seen; however, we have particular expertise in young onset dementia, familial dementias and unusual degenerative diseases. Progressive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia or frontotemporal dementia are commonly seen, but other less common disorders are also assessed including limbic encephalitis, hereditary leukodystrophies and acquired cognitive problems such as amnesia, aphasia, visuo-spatial problems, apraxia, facial recognition and executive dysfunction due to varying aetiologies. We also run a specialist deaf cognitive clinic.

The clinic has a national referral base and has agreed referral pathways with the local CCGs. Referrals are accepted from primary, secondary and tertiary care.

Patients are asked to complete a pre-clinic questionnaire which enables us to tailor their consultation to their needs. At the clinic, they are assessed by a consultant-led multidisciplinary team, including neurology, psychiatry, psychology, imaging, specialist nurse, neurophysiology and allied disciplines. Where appropriate, patients are investigated on the same day with MRI, EEG and psychology. If necessary, they can be admitted for further investigations to the Day Case Unit at the NHNN at another convenient time - we have a dedicated lumbar puncture clinic for rapid access to spinal fluid assessment, often an important part of the diagnostic process. Other modalities of imaging are also available.

Ongoing communication is provided by the award-winning national CANDID (counselling and diagnosis in dementia). This is our specialist nurse-led service offering holistic tailored   support and advice on practical matters such as strategies for managing symptoms, emotional support as well as advice on how to access information on legal and financial matters, and the role of statutory and voluntary support services.   

The CANDID service is run by Frankie O’Shea, Anna Balones and Sophia Beltran (Anadel Espinosa covering mat leave until Sept 2024) and is available to patients and families registered with an NHS specialist Cognitive Clinic and associated healthcare professionals. The team provide specialist post diagnostic support to patients and families to help them navigate their diagnosis and journey through: 

• Face to face consultations at clinic appointments 
• A telephone helpline and email service between appointments  
• Nurse led therapeutics appointment 
• Contact details are uclh.cognitive.team.nurses@nhs.net or 020 3448 3467

In addition, psychological intervention is available for patients and their carers, where appropriate with our psychology team. 

We are closely linked to Rare Dementia Support who offer advice and support on living with and caring for somebody with a rare form of dementia 

In addition to clinical care, at clinic all patients are offered the opportunity to participate in clinical trials and other studies at the DRC, which has major research commitments into early diagnosis and treatment of dementias.  

Patient testimonials

"I just want to thank you for your attention to me. I very much appreciated seing you... so sorry I will not be coming to see you any more".

"Thank you for everything you have done for me this past year, I will never forget it and feel so much better with your help".