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Introduction Conversation Analysis (CA) can help with the differential diagnosis of seizure disorders. We investigated if CA could be used in the memory clinic to distinguish neurodegenerative (NDD) from functional memory disorders (FMD). Methods We recruited consecutive, patients newly referred to the Neurology-led memory Clinic. Consultations were video & audio recorded. All participants underwent detailed Neuropsychology testing and MRI. Results 111 patients of 178 approached were recruited (20 ND, 24 FMD, 87 other). We identified profiles of 14 interactional features that can distinguish NDD from FMD consultations based on encounters with 15 patients with NDD and 15 with FMD. Features of NDD included an inability to answer compound questions fully, inability to give detailed examples of memory failures, shorter length of turn and reduced complexity of replies. Prospective analysis of an additional 10 encounters proved that Conversation Analysts could use these features to predict the diagnoses of FMD and ND with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions Simple differences in the communication behaviour of patients can help to distinguish between ND and FMD, suggesting that a targeted observation of interactional features could improve screening for ND in primary or secondary or care settings.

The 2009 Dementia strategy promoted a ‘memory clinic in every town’. We investigated the patient mix seen in a neurology-led memory clinic. Retrospective review (2004, 2006, 2012) attendees to memory clinic. Prospective review memory clinic from October 2012–Dec 2013. Survey to neurologists in Specialist Interest Group in Cognition (ABN). Survey of local GPs. Results Percentage of attendees with benign memory complaints increased from 30% & 32% in 2004 and 2006 to 55% in 2012. Oct 2012–Dec 2013 >50% attendees do not have dementia or MCI. 9 responders: A mean of 27% of attendees of neurology-led memory clinics in the UK have ‘benign memory complaints’. The following terms were used: ▸ Attentional amnestic disorder, ▸ Attentional cognitive complaints, ▸ Worried well, ▸ Subjective memory complaints, ▸ Subjective memory impairment, ▸ Normal cognitive ageing, ▸ Hypocondrial, ▸ ‘Stress related.’ 4. GPs used; ‘worried well’, ‘benign senescent forgetfulness’, ‘Possible dementia’, ‘mild neurocognitive disorder’ and ‘late life forgetfulness’ & treated with antidepressants but also referred to psychology or memory clinic. People attending memory clinic frequently do not have dementia and currently there is no consensus for diagnostic label or treatment.