Memory Assessment in BC: Private Clinics, Costs & What to Expect

Last Updated: June 2026

Concerns about memory loss, cognitive decline, or early dementia symptoms prompt thousands of British Columbians to seek professional assessment each year. Whether you're noticing changes in yourself or a loved one, understanding your options for memory assessment in BC helps you make informed decisions about the next steps. This guide covers public and private memory assessment pathways, associated costs, typical wait times, and what to expect during the evaluation process.

Understanding Memory Assessment: What It Involves

A comprehensive memory assessment evaluates cognitive function across multiple domains, including memory recall, attention, language, problem-solving, and visuospatial abilities. These assessments help identify conditions such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other neurological conditions that affect cognition.

Memory assessments typically involve several components:

• Clinical interview: A detailed discussion of symptoms, medical history, medications, and family history
• Neuropsychological testing: Standardized tests measuring various cognitive functions
• Physical and neurological examination: Assessment of reflexes, coordination, and sensory function
• Blood work: Tests to rule out reversible causes such as thyroid dysfunction or vitamin deficiencies
• Brain imaging: MRI or CT scans to identify structural changes, strokes, or tumors

For detailed information about accessing specialists who perform these assessments, visit our Specialist Access Hub.

Public Memory Clinics in BC: Locations and Wait Times

British Columbia operates several publicly funded memory clinics through regional health authorities. These clinics provide comprehensive assessments at no direct cost to patients, though wait times can be substantial.

Vancouver Coastal Health Region

The UBC Hospital Clinic for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (UBCH-CARD) serves as the primary tertiary memory clinic for the Vancouver Coastal Health region. Located at UBC Hospital in Vancouver, this clinic accepts referrals from family physicians and specialists. Current wait times range from 8 to 14 months for initial assessment, depending on case complexity and urgency.

Vancouver General Hospital also offers memory assessment services through its neurology department, with similar wait times of 10 to 16 months for non-urgent referrals.

Fraser Health Region

Fraser Health operates memory clinics serving Surrey, Burnaby, Abbotsford, and surrounding communities. The Surrey Memory Clinic at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Burnaby Hospital Memory Clinic both accept referrals from primary care providers. Wait times in the Fraser Health region typically range from 6 to 12 months, though urgent cases may be seen sooner.

The Abbotsford Regional Hospital provides memory assessment services with wait times averaging 8 to 14 months.

Interior Health Region

Kelowna General Hospital houses the primary memory clinic for the Interior Health region. Patients from across the Okanagan, Kamloops, and surrounding areas are referred to this facility. Wait times currently average 10 to 18 months, reflecting both high demand and limited specialist availability in the region.

Island Health Region

Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital operates the Island Health memory clinic, serving Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Wait times range from 8 to 15 months. The clinic prioritizes patients showing rapid cognitive decline or those with atypical presentations.

For current wait time information across BC health regions, check our BC Healthcare Wait Times resource.

Private Memory Assessment Options in BC

Given the lengthy wait times in the public system, many British Columbians opt for private memory assessments. Private clinics offer faster access, typically scheduling appointments within 2 to 6 weeks of initial contact.

Private Clinics by Region

Vancouver and Lower Mainland: Several private neuropsychology practices operate in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey. These include clinics affiliated with private hospitals and standalone neuropsychology practices. Most offer comprehensive memory assessment packages.

Victoria: Private neuropsychologists and geriatric psychiatrists in Victoria provide memory assessment services, often with shorter wait times than the mainland due to lower population density.

Kelowna: Limited private options exist in the Okanagan, with some patients traveling to Vancouver for private assessments. A few private neuropsychology practices serve the Kelowna area.

Cost of Private Memory Assessments in BC

Private memory assessment costs in BC vary based on the comprehensiveness of testing and the professionals involved:

• Basic cognitive screening: $300 to $600 CAD
• Standard neuropsychological assessment: $1,500 to $2,200 CAD
• Comprehensive neuropsychological battery: $2,200 to $3,000 CAD
• Geriatric psychiatrist consultation: $400 to $800 CAD
• Follow-up appointments: $200 to $400 CAD per session

These costs typically include the initial consultation, testing sessions (which may span 4 to 8 hours across multiple appointments), scoring and interpretation, and a detailed written report. Some clinics offer payment plans or accept extended health insurance for psychological services.

Learn more about private healthcare options on our Private Diagnostics in BC page.

What to Expect During a Memory Assessment

Understanding the assessment process can help reduce anxiety and ensure you arrive prepared.

Before Your Appointment

Prior to your memory assessment, you will likely be asked to:

• Complete questionnaires about daily functioning and symptoms
• Gather a list of all current medications, including supplements
• Bring previous medical records, especially any brain imaging results
• Arrange for a family member or close friend to attend (they provide valuable collateral history)
• Get adequate sleep the night before testing
• Eat a normal meal and take regular medications unless otherwise instructed

During the Assessment

A comprehensive memory assessment typically takes 3 to 6 hours, often split across two sessions. The process includes:

Clinical Interview (60 to 90 minutes): The clinician will ask detailed questions about your concerns, when symptoms started, how they have progressed, and their impact on daily life. Family members may be interviewed separately to provide additional perspective.

Cognitive Testing (2 to 4 hours): You will complete various paper-and-pencil and computerized tests measuring memory, attention, language, reasoning, and other cognitive domains. Tests may include word list learning, figure copying, verbal fluency tasks, and problem-solving exercises.

Physical Examination: A neurological examination assesses reflexes, balance, coordination, and sensory function to identify any physical signs of neurological conditions.

After the Assessment

Following testing, the clinician analyzes results and prepares a detailed report. This process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. A follow-up appointment is then scheduled to discuss findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations. The report is usually shared with your referring physician and any other healthcare providers you designate.

When to Seek a Memory Assessment

Not all memory concerns warrant comprehensive assessment. Age-related memory changes are normal and typically involve occasional forgetfulness that does not significantly impact daily functioning.

Consider seeking assessment if you or a loved one experiences:

• Memory problems that disrupt daily activities or work performance
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion about time, place, or familiar people
• Problems with language, such as finding the right words
• Poor judgment or decision-making
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Personality or mood changes
• Getting lost in familiar places

Your family physician is the first point of contact for memory concerns. They can perform initial screening, order basic investigations, and provide referrals to memory clinics or specialists.

Getting a Referral in BC

Public memory clinics in BC require a referral from a physician, typically your family doctor. The referral process involves:

1. Scheduling an appointment with your family physician to discuss concerns
2. Undergoing initial cognitive screening (such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
3. Completing blood work to rule out reversible causes
4. Having your physician send a referral to your regional memory clinic

Private clinics may accept self-referrals, though having a physician referral ensures continuity of care and may be required for insurance coverage.

For general health information and guidance on when to seek care, contact HealthLinkBC (8-1-1), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additional Resources and Support

Several organizations provide support for individuals and families dealing with memory concerns:

• Alzheimer Society of BC: Offers education, support groups, and resources throughout the province
• Family Caregivers of BC: Provides support services for those caring for loved ones with cognitive conditions
• BC Dementia Helpline: A free service offering information and emotional support

Early assessment and diagnosis, when appropriate, allows for better planning, access to support services, and in some cases, treatment options that may slow disease progression. Whether you choose the public or private pathway, taking the first step toward assessment is an important part of addressing memory concerns.

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