Patient FAQs

While diagnoses such as dementia are far less common in people under the age of 65, younger onset dementia does occur.

Research into neurodegeneration indicates that changes of dementia start many years, even decades, before the first symptoms become troublesome in day-to-day life. While there is currently no cure for the brain diseases that cause dementia, there is a lot known about modifiable factors that can hope to lower the risk of dementia if addressed early.

If you find you are worrying about your cognition, the first step is to speak to your GP who may be able to work through solutions with you or arrange referral for a specialist review. For the unlucky few who are diagnosed with younger onset dementia, knowing about this early has many benefits.

Please note, our research program only takes people from the age of 50 but younger patients are welcome to book for assessment privately at the same expert facilities.

A cognitive assessment includes discussion of the problems you have noticed in the context of your general health (including sleep, stress levels, lifestyle, medications and supplements), followed by testing of your abilities using validated assessment tools. Further investigations may include blood tests, scans and sleep studies.

A limited (one hour) neuropsychological assessment is included for those participating in our research program. If you are coming to see Dr Ireland privately, she will discuss any need for further testing with you and can refer to a neuropsychologist.

For the many patients we see with no serious diagnosis, there is often great relief and a sense of empowerment in understanding how to address the concerns they have and how to lower their risk of cognitive health decline over time. For those with a more serious or concerning diagnosis, there can be enormous value in understanding what is going on, early intervention and developing an active management plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Geriatricians are medical specialists and fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. They have expertise in the health problems common with ageing such as declining cognition, reduced mobility, falls and frailty along with an understanding of the interaction of multiple different health conditions and medications.

As a geriatrician, Dr Ireland’s work has centred around assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management of cognitive concerns and dementia in the context of general health and lifestyle.

Distance permitting, comprehensive geriatric assessments and associated follow-up visits can be conducted in your home for an additional cost. This is available for those aged 65 and over or 55 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Research relies on strict criteria for inclusion of participants so that the results are scientifically valid and that your time and effort — and the valuable research funding that supports our program — is put to good use.

Upon receipt of your referral our team will call to determine your eligibility with more detailed questions. As a guide, our participants must:

• Be aged 50 or over
• Have excellent English
• Not consume more than 14 standard drinks of alcohol per week or use illicit drugs.
• Not have had any significant head injury, any stroke or have any psychiatric diagnosis other than depression or anxiety.

If you are unsure if you meet our criteria, please contact our clinic coordinator on 02 9114 4002. Those who are not eligible for the program, can be seen by Dr Ireland privately.