How you talk about memory problems could improve dementia diagnosis

Researchers in Sheffield analysed conversations between memory loss patients and clinicians and found subtle changes in the way patients described their symptoms, which could lead to the better diagnosis of dementia.

The research, by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Loughborough University, was the first in the world to use conversation analysis to distinguish between patients who may be in the early stages of dementia and those who have memory concerns due to mood or anxiety.

It found that just half the patients seen at memory clinics at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital suffered with dementia, meaning many could be unduly concerned about the cause of memory issues, and could access treatment.

The findings of the study allow doctors to use their conversations with patients as an examination in which they look for signs of disease. Whereas a stroke might cause weakness in a leg evident on examination, dementia is likely to cause difficulties with conversation which doctors will now be able to look for.

Consultant Neurologist Dr Daniel Blackburn, said: “Not only could these findings allow GPs and other primary care health professionals to identify which patients need to be referred to specialist memory clinics, but they could also help minimise the distress of patients who do not suffer with dementia while they seek support and reassurance for memory problems as they navigate through a complex system.”