Find a therapist for dementia

The signs of dementia vary by type and stage, but certain changes in memory, thinking, and behaviour are common across conditions.

Common early signs

• Difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, or names, while older memories remain intact
• Getting confused in familiar environments or losing track of the date or time
• Difficulty finding words or following a conversation
• Poor judgement or changes in decision-making
• Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
• Mood changes, including anxiety, low mood, or uncharacteristic irritability

As the condition progresses

• Increasing difficulty with daily tasks, including managing finances, cooking, or self-care
• Greater disorientation, including not recognising familiar people or places
• Changes in personality or behaviour that are hard to connect to the person as they were

A formal diagnosis of dementia is made by a medical professional, typically a neurologist or geriatrician, often with input from a clinical psychologist. Psychological support does not replace medical care but can meaningfully complement it.

Psychological support for dementia focuses on emotional wellbeing, identity, and quality of life rather than the neurological progression itself. Support for family members and carers is equally important.

• Clinical psychology Clinical psychologists assess cognitive functioning, support adjustment to a dementia diagnosis, and design interventions that maintain wellbeing and engagement across the stages of the condition.
• Psychiatry Psychiatrists assess and manage co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or behavioural changes that frequently accompany dementia, and can prescribe medication where appropriate.
• Counselling Counselling provides a supportive space for people in the early stages of dementia to process the diagnosis, express fears, and think about what matters most to them going forward. It is also valuable for carers navigating loss and exhaustion.
• Music therapy Music therapy uses musical engagement to support emotional expression, cognitive stimulation, and connection in people with dementia, and can be effective at stages where verbal communication has become more difficult.
• Family therapy Family therapy helps family members understand the condition, improve communication with the person living with dementia, and manage the relational strain that a progressive diagnosis places on the whole family system.

Choosing an approach isn't something you have to do alone. IC's matching can pair you with a therapist whose approach suits your situation. Get matched.

It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set. Whether you are living with a dementia diagnosis or supporting someone who is, finding the right psychological support can be difficult to navigate alongside everything else. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself. Get matched with a therapist who specialises in dementia support, or browse the directory.