Press for a referral if you feel it would be helpful and the GP does not suggest it. A consultant will have more specialised knowledge and experience of dementia and will have access to more specialised investigations, such as brain scans. Your GP will refer the person being diagnosed to a consultant in a particular specialty. The specialty may depend on the age of the person concerned, their symptoms and what is available in your particular area. Neurologist A neurologist is a doctor specialising in disorders of the brain and nerve pathways.
Some neurologists have particular experience in diagnosing dementia.
Geriatrician A geriatrician specialises in the physical illnesses and disabilities associated with old age and in the care of older people. If the person being diagnosed has reached retirement age they may be referred to a geriatrician to see whether their symptoms are due to a physical illness or to find out whether they are suffering from a physical illness as well as dementia. General adult psychiatrist A general adult psychiatrist specialises in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health problems. A younger person may be referred to a psychiatrist to assist in the diagnosis. An old age psychiatrist, sometimes known as a psychogeriatrician, is a psychiatrist who has further specialised in the mental health problems of older people, including dementia.