Memory Assessment and Treatment services

Description

What is a memory clinic?

It is a health service offering you:

• Assessment of your memory.
• Guidance and advice on managing memory problems.
• The likely cause of your memory problem, e.g., anxiety, depression, or conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Treatments that might help to limit or control your memory problem.

Remember:

As we get older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain.  Some people notice they take longer to learn new things or that they misplace or lose things.

These are usually signs of mild forgetfulness but can also be the early signs of conditions that need more thorough assessment.

Whatever the cause of your memory changes, we are here to help you understand them, begin to deal with them, and maintain your normal lifestyle as much as possible.

 What happens when I get referred?

You will be contacted by phone initially to offer you the option of either attending a clinic, being assessed in person at home or via video-link over the internet if you and your family would prefer this.

What happens at memory clinic?

You will be seen initially by a specialist doctor to gather a history of your memory problems and decide which assessments you may need to complete at future appointments e.g., with an occupational therapist or psychologist who can undertake a range of memory-based assessments with you.

You may be told the most likely cause of your memory problems and be given the option of some treatment, advice, and support.

How long will my appointment be?

About 1 hour for both initial and follow-up assessment appointments. If you are seen in person, our clinic staff will wear protective clothing (masks, gloves etc.) to minimise the risk of transmitting any infection, and you will be expected to wear a facemask too.

Can I change my appointment?

If your appointment isn’t convenient, please phone us on the numbers provided overleaf.

We can offer you alternative dates, times and locations that are available. A home-based assessment in person or a remote video-link assessment can be provided if you prefer or are physically unable to get to a clinic.

Our clinics run in a variety of localities around the district on different days of the week at Eccleshill, Girlington, West Bowling, Keighley, Crosshills, Skipton, Settle and Bentham.

What can I expect after my first memory clinic appointment?

You may be given a provisional diagnosis based on your initial assessments or sent for further tests that could include a detailed memory assessment or CT scan of your head to help establish diagnosis.

If you receive a provisional diagnosis, you and your family will be contacted by an adviser by phone within 2 weeks to discuss any initial information, guidance or support you may need.

Treatment and follow-up support

If you start any treatment or require any further tests, your next appointment will be with a specialist doctor 4-8 weeks after your first appointment, to confirm any diagnosis, discuss treatment options and complete any assessments.

Once any treatment is fully established, you will be offered an appointment to review your progress with a specialist nurse, social worker, or occupational therapist.

This usually takes place within 1 to 3 months, either in clinic or at your home. We can also put you in touch with other agencies and services who offer practical and / or emotional advice and support.

Questions you may want to ask health professionals at the clinic:

Have you found evidence that I have significant memory loss?

• If so, is it my short-term or long-term memory that is affected?
• Can Alzheimer’s disease or similar conditions be ruled out?
• Do I have any medical conditions that might be causing my memory loss?
• Might any medications I am taking be affecting my memory?
• What can I do to help myself?
• What signs might suggest that my condition is getting worse?

How to contact us:

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your appointment in more detail, please call:

(01274) 251601
For those with Bradford City and Bradford North GPs.

  (01274) 251631
For those with Bradford South and West GPs.

  (01274) 221159
For those with Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven GPs

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven, and self-help resources visit Healthy Minds: www.healthyminds.services.

Virtual tours

Virtual tours of selected Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust settings.