Fear of dementia – implications for assessment and intervention in a Memory Clinic Service

Abstract

Cognitive decline associated with ageing is a common cause for anxiety within the older adult age group. Often patients will be referred to services with concerns about memory loss and in some case suffering significant emotional and functional problems as a result of a fear of the meaning of memory lapses. This paper explores three cases of patients with a fear of dementia in which the patients’ functional ability was impaired as a result of their interpretation of memory decline as a sign of dementia. Three patients attended a memory clinic service and completed a neuropsychological assessment which indicated no evidence of cognitive decline. Psychological assessment suggested specific health anxiety related to dementia. A cognitive behavioural intervention was completed. Each reported significant functional improvement and a reduction in memory related anxiety. A cognitive model exploring the interaction between memory loss and anxiety is proposed and the implications for the treatment of such patients are discussed with areas for further research highlighted.