What are the key red flags in a patient's history or examination that would indicate the need for urgent referral to a specialist for memory loss?

Key red flags in a patient's history or examination indicating the need for urgent referral to a specialist for memory loss include:

• Suspected rapidly progressive dementia, which requires referral to a neurological service with access to specialized tests such as cerebrospinal fluid examination for Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and similar conditions.
• Memory problems in adults under 50 with other neurological signs or rapidly worsening symptoms.
• When reversible causes of cognitive decline (such as delirium, depression, sensory impairment, or medication effects) have been investigated and dementia is still suspected.
• Presence of new neurological signs or rapidly progressive cognitive deterioration.

These red flags warrant urgent specialist assessment to confirm diagnosis, exclude reversible causes, and initiate appropriate management.