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'Less than half over-40s take free NHS (dementia) test'

(31 Posts)
Grannyjacq1 Mon 31-Dec-18 13:53:45

Article in today's paper told me that 'everyone aged between 40 and 74 with no existing health conditions is automatically eligible for the (dementia) check every 5 years'. I've just looked on the NHS website, and can't find anything about it. Can anyone throw any light on this for me?

BlueSky Tue 01-Jan-19 14:12:45

FlexibleFriend recently a CT scan showed I had enlarged brain ventricles. Luckily a MRI showed that these were compatible with my age but even before that, the neurologist assured me that half the people with dementia never show such changes anyway. So until it actually develops, as you say, there are no hard and fast rules.

megan123 Tue 01-Jan-19 14:20:02

This reminds me so much of a check up I had quite a number of years ago for blood pressure etc. The nurse, apparently concerned about my weight, asked about exercise and promptly showed me how to walk briskly up and down her room, I did explain that I had horses (at the time) and walked from my home across two fields to get to them! There was then a knock at the door and in walked the secretary with two buttered crumpets for her mid morning snack! smile

megan123 Tue 01-Jan-19 14:21:23

Should have said to Cale.

Caledonai14 Thu 03-Jan-19 14:26:10

Megan it must have been difficult to keep a straight face. grin

Fennel Thu 03-Jan-19 18:22:56

The trouble with this test is that some people can become worried if they fail.
A friend's BiL failed one or two items and now he, his wife and my friend are convinced he has early stage dementia, might lose his driving license, and is on the way to becoming doolally.