A memory referral and fear of losing control

Setting: A general practice follow-up

A patient has memory concerns and an initial cognitive screen affected by hearing difficulty. No diagnosis is established. The agreed next step is a memory-clinic assessment with fuller history.

Task

Explore what the patient fears the referral means.
Explain assessment versus diagnosis.
Clarify how family information can help while preserving direct patient involvement.
Check consent and next steps.

Memory assessment referral information

The screen was affected by hearing difficulty in two instructions and is not a confirmed diagnosis.
The clinic will gather a fuller history and consider the screening findings in context.
Contacting the son for examples requires consent; this does not give him authority to make all decisions.
Bring hearing aids. Request a large-print appointment letter and record any companion preference.
If appointment details are unclear, contact the GP referral coordinator on the practice card.

Fictional scenario information supplied by the treating team; not medical guidance for real patients.