Dementia is associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.
Symptoms can include memory loss, slower thinking speed, and lower levels of understanding, judgement and mood, according to the NHS, external.
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia which, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases.
According to Alzheimer’s Society, about one million people are living with dementia in the UK.
On average, diagnosis typically takes three-and-a-half years from the first symptoms being displayed.
The charity said the new Manchester clinic was set to transform this process.
“What we are looking to do is to bring that right forward so people in Manchester are referred into a specialist team at the earlier symptoms – ensuring they get an accurate diagnosis,” said Alzheimer’s Society dementia support services director Chris Larkin.
“They’ll understand what’s happening and then they’ll get support to reduce their risks and also to live as well as possible with the diagnosis.”
The clinic will use MRI scans, lumbar punctures, heart health checks and behavioural assessments to deliver earlier and accurate diagnoses before putting together personalised treatment plans.
Patients will be identified through existing memory assessment services and referred directly, the charity said.