Skip to main content

Concierge cognitive assessment · London

Private cognitive assessment (MoCA) in London, interpreted by a specialist.

A validated cognitive screen interpreted by a specialist alongside history and — where indicated — a brain MRI. Not a “brain-training app” result; a proper memory-clinic pathway.

See indicative pricing
A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Why patients choose us

  • 01

    A screen, then a specialist

    The MoCA is a screening tool. We pair it with a consultant neurologist or old-age psychiatrist so you get an interpretation, not a number.

  • 02

    Memory-clinic pathway ready

    If the screen is positive, we open the door to a full memory-clinic assessment - not a leaflet and a shrug.

  • 03

    MRI available same week

    When brain imaging is indicated, we arrange it quickly at a vetted London MRI centre.

Indicative pricing

What a private cognitive assessment costs in London.

Indicative ranges across our partner specialists. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.

In short

A full cognitive assessment with specialist review: £400–£800, interpreted in the same visit.

Assessment Indicative range
MoCA screen only £150–£300
Full cognitive assessment + specialist review £400–£800
Memory clinic consultation £350–£700
Neuropsychology full battery £900–£1,800
Cognitive assessment + brain MRI £900–£1,600
Follow-up cognitive review £180–£380

Prices vary by specialist, whether neuropsychology or brain MRI are added, and how quickly you need the report. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.

The problem

A score on its own is not an answer.

Anyone can hand you a MoCA sheet. The value is a specialist reading it alongside history, examination and - where warranted - a brain MRI, and then telling you what to do next.

  • Something has changed?

    You or a partner have noticed a change and want a proper baseline - not a leaflet.

  • Worried about a low score?

    A single low number is not a diagnosis. A specialist puts it in context, same visit.

  • Need a full pathway?

    If the screen is positive, we open the door to memory clinic and imaging - not just email a PDF.

The journey

From enquiry to specialist plan - what happens, in order.

One clinician from first message to explained results - usually within a few days.

  1. 01

    Before

    You tell us the concern

    A short, confidential form. What is being noticed, by whom, and over what timeframe.

  2. 02

    Before

    We recommend the right pathway

    Within one working day: MoCA screen alone, full cognitive assessment, or neuropsychology - and what each costs.

  3. 03

    Before

    We book the appointment

    Clinic slot with the right specialist, at a time that works. Family welcome to attend for history.

  4. 04

    On the day

    Cognitive screen

    Around 20 minutes for MoCA alone, 60-90 minutes for a full cognitive assessment in a quiet room.

  5. 05

    On the day

    Specialist review

    A consultant neurologist or old-age psychiatrist reviews the score alongside history and examination.

  6. 06

    After

    Brain MRI if indicated

    If imaging is warranted, we arrange it - usually within the same week.

  7. 07

    After

    Plan and pathway

    A clear next step: reassurance, monitoring, memory clinic, or onward specialist care.

Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same week.

What it shows

The reasons people come to us for a cognitive assessment.

Not every concern needs a full workup - and some need urgent neurology, not a screen. This is how we sort it.

  • Subjective memory concerns

    When you or a partner notice something has changed and want a proper baseline.

  • Mild cognitive impairment screen

    A validated way to check whether change is beyond normal ageing.

  • Suspected dementia

    Structured assessment to guide diagnosis, imaging and support.

  • Executive function change

    Planning, attention and multitasking - the domains people notice at work first.

  • Driving fitness

    Where cognition may affect safety behind the wheel, with clear DVLA guidance.

  • Medication review affecting cognition

    Sedatives, anticholinergics and polypharmacy can dull thinking - screening helps.

  • Baseline before surgery

    A pre-operative cognitive baseline for older patients or complex procedures.

  • Red flag: rapid decline over weeks

    A change measured in weeks rather than years needs urgent neurology - we escalate.

Assessment pathways

The pathways we arrange most.

What each option is actually for.

  • MoCA screen

    The 20-minute Montreal Cognitive Assessment - a validated first-line screen.

  • Full cognitive assessment

    MoCA plus history, examination and consultant interpretation in a single visit.

  • Memory clinic pathway

    Structured assessment led by an old-age psychiatrist, with follow-up planning built in.

  • Neuropsychology full battery

    A chartered clinical neuropsychologist maps every domain over a half-day.

  • Cognitive assessment + brain MRI

    Combined pathway when imaging is indicated - typically arranged in the same week.

  • Post-stroke cognitive review

    Focused assessment after a stroke or TIA to guide rehabilitation.

  • Occupational cognitive review

    For work-related concerns, fitness-to-practise questions and return-to-work planning.

  • Capacity assessment

    Formal capacity assessment for medical, legal or financial decisions.

Our vetted London network

A small panel of specialists, we picked them.

Consultant neurologists, old-age psychiatrists and chartered clinical neuropsychologists across central London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.

Selection criteria

How we choose every specialist in our network.

A London memory clinic consulting room
Consultant-led memory clinic
  • Consultant neurologists or old-age psychiatrists leading the interpretation

  • Chartered clinical neuropsychologists for full-battery assessment

  • Brain MRI available same-week if clinically indicated

  • Direct memory-clinic pathway if the screen is positive

Preparation and practicalities

What actually affects a MoCA score.

A cognitive screen is safe and non-invasive - but conditions matter. These are the things that shape the number, and how we handle them.

  • MoCA is a screen, not a diagnosis

    A single score does not diagnose anything. It flags whether a fuller assessment is warranted.

  • A quiet environment matters

    Distraction, noise and a rushed setting all lower scores. We test in a calm room.

  • Language versions

    English-language versions have validated alternatives - we choose the right one.

  • Mood, sleep and medications

    Depression, poor sleep and sedating drugs can all pull scores down. We factor them in.

  • A single low score is not dementia

    Context is everything. A low score is a prompt for careful review, not a label.

  • Positive screen needs specialist review

    We do not leave you with an abnormal score and no plan. A specialist reviews it the same visit.

  • Brain MRI usually indicated

    For cognitive concerns beyond normal ageing, brain imaging is part of the standard workup.

  • Driving fitness and the DVLA

    Some diagnoses require you to notify the DVLA. We explain your obligations clearly.

  • Family involvement helps

    A collateral history from a partner or relative is often the most useful part of the assessment.

Reading your report

A cognitive report can look daunting. It isn’t.

Whichever pathway you take, the report follows the same four parts.

A consultant reviewing a cognitive assessment report

A quiet reminder

A single score is not a diagnosis - context is everything.

If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Your age and concerns

    Your details, age, and the concerns behind the assessment - as reported by you and, where relevant, family.

  2. 02 Technique

    Which tools were used

    MoCA version, additional bedside tests, and any neuropsychology instruments used.

  3. 03 Findings

    Domain-by-domain scores

    Memory, attention, language, executive function and visuospatial ability - each scored and described.

  4. 04 Impression

    The conclusion: read this first

    Normal, mild cognitive impairment, probable dementia, or a specific next step. Read this first.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Cover varies by insurer and indication - we check on your behalf before you book.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about cognitive assessment.

Quick answers on the MoCA, MMSE, cost, referral, imaging and driving.

  • What does the MoCA actually measure?

    The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is a 30-point screen that covers short-term memory, attention, language, executive function, visuospatial skill and orientation - the domains most often affected in mild cognitive impairment and early dementia.

  • How is MoCA different from the MMSE?

    The MMSE is an older, briefer screen that is less sensitive to mild impairment and executive dysfunction. MoCA is generally preferred as a first-line screen, particularly for detecting mild cognitive impairment.

  • How much does a private cognitive assessment cost in London?

    A MoCA screen alone is typically £150–£300. A full cognitive assessment with specialist review is £400–£800. A neuropsychology full battery runs £900–£1,800. We confirm firm figures within one working day.

  • Do I need a referral?

    No. You can self-refer, and family members can enquire on behalf of a relative. Where a referral letter helps with insurance, we can arrange a private GP.

  • What if the result is inconclusive?

    A borderline or single-visit score is not the last word. We repeat, add neuropsychology, or arrange imaging - whichever the specialist recommends.

  • Will I need a brain MRI?

    Often, yes. When cognitive change is beyond normal ageing, brain imaging is part of the standard workup - we arrange it, usually within the same week.

  • Does it affect my driving?

    It might. Certain diagnoses affect fitness to drive and require DVLA notification. The specialist will advise clearly, in writing, based on your findings.

  • What about the DVLA - who tells them?

    You do. It is a legal duty to notify the DVLA of a relevant diagnosis. We give you the paperwork and explain the process.

  • How quickly do I get the results?

    MoCA and full cognitive assessments are interpreted and explained in the same visit. Neuropsychology reports take 10–14 days.

  • When should I see a GP urgently instead?

    If cognition has changed markedly over days or weeks, or is accompanied by new neurological symptoms - weakness, speech disturbance, seizures - go to your GP or A&E rather than book a private screen.

WhatsApp Call us
Pulse Healthcare concierge

Send us your enquiry

A concierge service for UK private healthcare. We match you with the best vetted clinics and consultants in our network - they then contact you directly.

Confidential. We respond within one working day.