Associate Professor Nagaendran Kandiah is a senior consultant neurologist who specialises in cognitive neurology and vascular neurology. He is the Director of the Dementia Research Centre (Singapore) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University.
He holds the MBBS, FRCP (Edinburgh) and FAMS (Neurology), and has held a Clinician Scientist position with the National Medical Research Council of Singapore. He previously directed the Dementia Programme at the National Neuroscience Institute.
His clinical and research work covers Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, mild cognitive impairment and the role of cerebrovascular disease in dementia.
Clinical focus
Dementia & cognitive neurology.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, FRCP (Edin), FAMS (Neurology).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Dementia Research Centre (Singapore), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, NTU — Novena
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, NTU
Getting to the clinic
Associate Professor Nagaendran Kandiah directs the Dementia Research Centre (Singapore) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University. As a university and research-linked setting, it is served by nearby MRT and bus routes, with taxi and ride-hailing drop-off available; the specific clinic or assessment venue can vary, so check the exact address and directions given to you when an appointment is arranged. If you are unsure which campus building or clinic to attend, confirm the location and parking arrangements in advance.
Where parking is available on site it is usually a paid visitor carpark. Allow time to find the correct building, as university and hospital campuses can be large and signposted by department or programme. Confirming the venue, level and contact details before you travel helps avoid confusion on the day.
What dementia and cognitive neurology covers
Assoc Prof Kandiah’s focus is cognitive and vascular neurology, which deals with conditions affecting memory, thinking and brain function. His work covers Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia; vascular dementia, linked to problems with the brain’s blood supply; frontotemporal dementia, which affects behaviour and language; and mild cognitive impairment, an early stage where memory or thinking changes are noticeable but not yet disabling. He also studies the role of cerebrovascular disease in dementia.
Cognitive neurology aims to identify the cause of memory or thinking difficulties, distinguish dementia from other treatable conditions, and support patients and families in planning care. Early and accurate assessment matters because some causes of cognitive change can be treated or slowed.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with a detailed history, often involving a family member, covering memory, language, behaviour, mood and daily function, and how these have changed over time. The doctor reviews medications and medical history, including vascular risk factors such as blood pressure and diabetes. A neurological and cognitive examination follows, which may include memory and thinking tests.
Investigations commonly include cognitive assessments, brain imaging such as MRI or CT, and blood tests to look for reversible causes of cognitive change. In some cases, additional specialised tests are arranged. The findings are then explained and a plan discussed, which may involve treatment, lifestyle measures to protect brain health, and support for the person and their family.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous records, brain scans and any earlier memory or neurology assessments.
- A current list of medications and supplements, with doses.
- A symptom history, noting when changes in memory, behaviour or function began and how they have progressed.
- Where possible, a family member or close contact who can describe the changes.
An account from someone who knows the person well is especially valuable, as the individual may not be fully aware of all the changes.
After your consultation and follow-up
After your consultation you will receive an explanation of the assessment and an agreed plan. The clinic will advise how scan and test results are shared and whether a review is needed. Cognitive conditions are usually managed over time, so follow-up helps track changes, adjust treatment and provide ongoing support to patients and carers.
You may be referred for further imaging, detailed neuropsychological testing, or other specialist input, and for support services where appropriate. Continuity of care helps coordinate treatment and planning. A second opinion can be sought at any time. Seek urgent care for a sudden change in alertness, sudden confusion, or symptoms of a stroke such as weakness or speech difficulty.
Booking, referrals and fees
Arrangements for assessment in a university or research-linked setting can differ from a standard clinic, so confirm how appointments are booked and whether a referral is needed. A GP or polyclinic letter aids continuity and may help with subsidies if care is later provided at a public clinic. MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply to eligible procedures within set limits, while consultations and assessments are often out of pocket. Confirm current fees and arrangements directly before booking.
Common questions
What is mild cognitive impairment?
It is a stage where memory or thinking changes are noticeable but not yet severe enough to be called dementia; it is assessed and monitored over time.
Can any causes of memory problems be treated?
Yes. Some causes of cognitive change are treatable, which is why a careful assessment to find the cause is important.
Why should a family member come along?
A close contact can describe changes the person may not notice, giving a fuller picture of the history.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines history, cognitive testing, brain imaging and blood tests to identify the cause and rule out reversible conditions.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of neurologists in Singapore and our shortlist of neurology clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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