Memory Assessment Service

People can be referred to memory services by their GP or directly via another specialist practitioner such as a neurologist or medical staff in another hospital.  In the latter case, the Memory Service will inform the GP of the referral.

Your GP will talk through your symptoms and do some simple tests, including taking some blood to exclude reversible causes for your symptoms. If your GP thinks that the Memory Assessment Service will be best placed to help at this point, they will make the referral.

A memory assessment is a specialist assessment which will help us find out the underlying reason for your difficulties and work with you to help decide the best next steps.

It is for people over 18 years of age who are having new problems with their memory or other cognitive difficulties which have been going on for longer than 6 months and are impacting on day to day life 

One of our staff will get in touch to arrange a meeting with one of our clinicians. This appointment usually lasts around 90 minutes. The clinician will ask you about your medical history and conduct some assessments this will involve asking you and also someone who knows you well, questions about the following:

• Your family, life and medical history
• Your symptoms that have been troubling you
• How you are managing your day-to-day activities, including driving
• Whether you agree to share information with other professionals and family members
• Whether you want to know the results of your assessment and possible diagnosis.

Will I need a brain scan?

As part of the assessment process, our team may feel that a brain scan is needed. The need for a scan depends on things such as your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. If we feel a scan would be helpful for you, we will discuss this with you. 

• At your local memory assessment clinic in towns across Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough, Doddington, Huntingdon, Cambridge and Ely
• At your home if you are housebound or living in a care home
• Via a video call on the computer

We are a multi-disciplinary team, made up of clinical and support staff, and those who organise the service we have great links with the Alzheimer’s Society, providing carer support and outreach workers.

Our Memory Assessment Service is comprised of a number of staff with different roles, which may include the following:

• Consultant Psychiatrist, Consultant Neurologists
• Nurse Consultant, Dementia Nurse Specialist, Specialist Mental Health Practitioner
• Psychological professionals (such as Consultant Psychologist or Assistant Psychologist)
• Specialist Occupational therapists and Assistant Occupational Therapists
• Nursing Associates and community support workers
• Administrative staff

We also work with other health and social care colleagues linked to your GP surgery, which are known as Neighbourhood Teams. If necessary, your care will be coordinated along with these professionals, to ensure that all of your health and social needs are met.

Following the review of the assessment, its outcome and any associated diagnosis will be discussed with you and your family in accordance with your wishes. There will be an opportunity to ask more questions. Supportive information will also be provided to help you further understand the outcome of the assessment.

A member of our Memory Assessment Service will also write to you and your GP with a summary of your assessment. If you agreed to share information, a family member or carer can also receive a copy of your personalised assessment.

If you receive a diagnosis of dementia, we will provide post diagnostic support from our Memory Assessment Service aimed to help you access the services that’s best suited for you.

We will work with you and your family to develop an individualised plan that identifies appropriate support systems and interventions for both you and your family. This will ensure that you continue to live your life well whatever the reason for your memory or cognitive problems.

Will I be offered medication?

If you are diagnosed with dementia, our clinical team will review whether medication is an option.

Currently, there is no known cure for dementia and the medication available will not change the progression of the disease, but it can help with the symptoms that people experience. Not everyone is suitable for medication due to their medical history, and not every form of dementia has a treatment option.

If medication is an appropriate option for you this will be discussed with you during the assessment or when the diagnosis is formulated.

Resources and further information

Dementia Support Line | Alzheimer's Society0333 150 3456
Types of dementia | Alzheimer's Society
National Dementia Care Pathway
Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers
Overview | Dementia, disability and frailty in later life – mid-life approaches to delay or prevent onset | Guidance | NICE

 

Links to local support organizations (e.g., Alzheimer's Society, Carers Trust).

Articles, brochures, and other educational materials for patients and caregivers.

Caring Together

Carers Burnout

 

"Memory Tips & Exercises" for individuals looking to improve cognitive function.

Home CST?

Puzzle’s