Clarifying Memory Strengths, Difficulties & Everyday Impact
Psychologist Memory Assessment
Memory concerns can reflect attention, sleep, stress, mood, pain, learning differences, medication effects or medical and neurological factors. Assessment should begin by defining the question rather than assuming one cause.
Sudden, rapidly worsening or medically concerning memory change requires prompt medical assessment rather than routine website booking.
Referral-question led
Everyday impact considered
Clear scope boundaries
Written report options
Medical referral when indicated
This pathway may be useful for
The service should be described around the person’s referral question and functional needs, not around an assumed diagnosis or fixed package.
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Persistent memory concerns affecting study, work or daily organisation
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Questions about memory versus attention or executive functioning
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A broader cognitive assessment where memory is central
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Practical strategy recommendations
What this pathway can help clarify
Use this section to state the questions the service may help answer. Keep the language proportionate: assessment contributes evidence and interpretation; support translates goals into practical work.
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How information is learned, retained and retrieved where assessed
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Working-memory and attention contributions
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How results relate to everyday examples
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Whether medical or specialist follow-up is indicated
How the pathway usually works
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Clarify onset, course, context, medical history and everyday examples
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Review relevant medical or previous assessment information.
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Select measures that fit the referral question and scope.
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Consider fatigue, distress, sensory and access factors.
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Explain findings, limitations and referral recommendations.
FAQs
Does forgetting mean dementia?
No. Memory complaints have many contributors; decline or neurological change needs medical review.
Is working memory the same as long-term memory?
No. They are different constructs.
Can stress or sleep affect memory?
Yes. They can affect attention, encoding and retrieval.
Can it be online?
Suitability depends on measures, environment and the referral question.
Start with the question or goal that matters most
Use the enquiry form to provide age, the main concern or goal, intended use, preferred appointment mode and any important timeframe. A submission is a request for suitability review, not a confirmed booking, diagnosis, fee or report deadline.