We work with partner organisations to provide a range of support for people experiencing memory loss as a result of dementia, as well as for their families and carers.
These services include:
- memory assessment service (Dorset HealthCare) – for the assessment of memory problems and diagnosis of dementia. This includes dedicated neuropsychology for more complex diagnoses. In addition, this service offers emotional wellbeing courses for carers.
- dementia co-ordinators (Help & Care) – providing post-diagnostic support for people with a diagnosis of dementia, and their families and carers. This includes a dedicated Early Onset (younger) Dementia provision, as well as dementia roadshows offering information on dementia to local people and agencies.
- cognitive stimulation therapy (Age UK) – an evidence-based therapy for people with a diagnosis of dementia (any sub type).
The MAS provides specialist help for residents of Dorset with a memory problem affecting their daily life. We aim to diagnose the cause, offer treatment and advice, and direct you to other services that can provide support. It is important to all of us to maintain our independence for as long as possible. We want to ensure people living with memory loss are able to lead the kind of life they want to live.
Our MAS team comprises registered nurses, an occupational therapist, neuropsychologists, non-medical prescribers/advanced nurse practitioners and psychiatrists. All staff will offer a range of possible options to complete assessments and diagnostic work and these will be discussed with you before appointments.
Key information about this service
We do not accept self-referrals - if you are experiencing memory loss problems, please see your GP in the first instance. They will ask you some questions and the answers – along with other relevant information, such as your medications or medical history – are used for a referral to the MAS. We will then arrange your first appointment.
Healthcare professionals
All new referrals for an assessment and diagnosis of memory problems (possible dementia) for people aged over 18 should be made by GPs or other healthcare professionals directly to the memory assessment service (MAS). There will be a single point of access (SPOA) for referrals to MAS. The MAS SPOA number is 0300 3035342.
For referrers other than GPs using SystemOne referral forms, there is a referral form that should be emailed to dhc.referralsmemory.assessmentservice@nhs.net.
Physical checks should be completed before referral to rule out any reversible causes of memory problems.
Your first appointment will be with a MAS specialist at an NHS clinic or it may take place by telephone or video-call. We can also visit you at home if you are not normally able to get to a clinic or are housebound. Please allow around an hour for this appointment.
You will be asked about the problems you face and how they affect your life on a day-to-day basis. We will ask about your health and any medications you are taking, and may take your blood pressure, pulse and weight. Doing some memory exercises will also help us learn more about your memory and how this affects you. We will ask who you would like your information shared with, such as your next of kin, partner or carer.
We will discuss what information you would like about any diagnosis and what the possible implications of a diagnosis might be for you. However, you will not receive a definite diagnosis at this stage. After the appointment, the clinician will discuss your assessment with the team doctor. We may refer you for further investigations, such as blood tests and or a brain scan, if we feel they are needed before a diagnosis can be made.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
Please bring any glasses or hearing equipment you use. If you wish to, it will be helpful to bring a relative or a friend who knows you well, as their contribution can be very valuable.
What are the ‘memory exercises’ I will be asked to complete?
Lots of people worry about what they may be asked in a memory assessment. It is important to know there is no pass or fail aspect to the exercises. They are designed to help us understand how the different parts of your memory are working, so we can help as much as possible. The clinician will work through the exercises with you and explain things clearly. The kinds of exercises vary, but you may be asked to look at something on a piece of paper and identify what it is, or asked to draw something. Please say if you have any particular concerns about the exercises, and let us know if English is not your first language.
Why might I need a brain scan?
A brain scan will help to show any changes which may have caused your memory problems so we can provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
What happens next?
You will be offered an appointment with the team doctor or a clinician to discuss the outcome of the assessment and any scan results. There are many causes of memory loss, including dementia, stroke disease, depression and other mental health problems. We will work with you to help you understand your diagnosis, and what treatment and support is best for you.
What support is available if I get a diagnosis of dementia?
Help & Care is working in partnership with us to provide comprehensive support and advice so people in Dorset can live well with dementia. You will be offered a named Dementia Co-ordinator to support you and those close to you. Help and Care - 0300 123 1916 (www.helpandcare.org.uk)
Age UK partners can offer an intervention called Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) to help people with dementia improve their memory and thinking skills and to cope with memory loss.
- Age UK North, South and West Dorset - 01305 269444 / cst
@ageuknswd.org.uk - Age UK Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset - 01202 530530 / cst
@ageukbped.org.uk
What if I have any other questions?
Please contact us on the numbers below. We would be happy to answer any queries you may have.
Memory Assessment Service - 0300 3035342
Adult social care - Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch: 0300 1239895 / Dorset: 01305 221016
Useful numbers and websites
Connection - 0800 6520190 (24-hour mental health support)
Alzheimer’s Society - 0333 1503456
Next Steps (support while waiting for a memory assessment appointment)