Worried about your memory?

Access help and support

Our memory services aim to help people who are worried that their poor memory may be a sign of dementia. They are for people of all ages.

These services offer a comprehensive assessment of concerns, initiate treatment if necessary, and provide advice about available support for the individual and their carer.

Who we help

A referral to our service may be advisable if you are having increased difficulty:

• Remembering day-to-day events
• Finding the right word
• Forgetting dates and appointments
• Following conversations
• With tasks such as dressing or cooking
• Finding things around the house
• With finances, paying bills etc
• Personality change including apathy and withdrawal
• Your care-giver is having difficulty coping

Getting help

If you are worried about your memory and would like to be seen by a memory clinic, the first step is discussing your concerns with your GP. When we get a referral letter we will contact you to arrange an appointment. Your GP will arrange a blood sample and also a brain scan before seeing you in a clinic.

If you are waiting for an assessment this website called Next Steps offers some helpful information.

What is the benefit of having a diagnosis

There is still a stigma about being diagnosed with dementia but this is changing. An Alzheimer’s Society survey, 3 out of 5 people with dementia wish they had gotten a diagnosis sooner. There are a number of reasons for this:

• Often, people and their families find it a relief and can understand why they are experiencing certain changes
• You can then make better plans for the future and be more in control and less likely to need help in a crisis, which could involve a hospital admission
• You can get certain benefits and legal protection
• We can link you into specialist services which you could benefit from and access therapeutic and evidence-based support such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• There is medication that can help in managing the symptoms of some types of dementia

Benefits of getting a dementia diagnosis | Alzheimer's Society

You may also not have dementia. There are lots of treatable conditions that cause memory loss or confusion. This could be due to recent life events or low mood, but also side effects of medication or visual or hearing difficulties.

We have two memory assessment services, one based in Worcestershire and one in Herefordshire.

About the service

Our services focus on providing assessment, interventions, and support for people experiencing difficulties with their memory and other cognitive abilities. The memory service comprises psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech and language therapists. 

What to Expect

What does the service do?

We provide an assessment of your needs, usually in a clinic-based setting, but also at home, depending on individual circumstances. 

Your first appointment

You will be seen and assessed together with your family, friend, or carer. This usually takes about 1 ½ hours. Your medical history, life events, and present problems will be discussed. We will ask you how you manage your day-to-day activities, including driving. We will carry out a short memory test with you.

What to bring to your appointment?

• Any spectacles, especially for reading
• Your hearing aid
• Details of any medications you are currently prescribed
• A relative, friend or carer for support and information

Next steps

There is no single test we can use to determine what might be causing a problem with somebody’s memory, so we may ask you to go for further investigations. After any other investigations have been completed, we will meet with you again to explain what might be causing your difficulties and offer treatment and support if appropriate.

Help following a diagnosis

People who are diagnosed by the Early Intervention Dementia Service receive a time-limited period of support, which could include help with emotional adjustment to the diagnosis, prescribing anti-dementia medication, help with strategies to manage symptoms, and signposting to other support services. They also run a short psychoeducational group for patients and their carers. 

Contact details

Memory Assessment Services (MAS)- Herefordshire

• Team Manager: Vicki Newman
• Address: Belmont, Benet Building, Ruckhall Lane,  Belmont, Hereford, HR2 9RP
• Reception hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
• Reception phone number: 01432 220445

Early Intervention Dementia Service (EIDS)- Worcestershire

• Team Managers: Tanya Jacobs (North) & Alison Walters (South)
• Address: F Block, Kidderminster Hospital, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, DY11 6RJ
• Reception hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
• Reception phone number: 01562 714777