Memory service
If you’re concerned that you’re becoming more forgetful, or having difficulty with concentrating and keeping organised, our specialist Memory Service can assess your situation for conditions which might be affecting you.
Difficulties with memory and concentration can be caused by many different things. However, if you do have a condition like dementia, diagnosing it early on can help you keep a high quality of life and independence.
Once you’re referred to us, we’ll arrange an appointment with one of our psychiatrists or memory clinic nurses. This could be at one of our local clinics, or we can visit your home. It’s a good idea to bring a family member or carer along to your appointment as they can often help explain what the changes you’ve been experiencing.
To help us with your diagnosis, we’ll assess your memory and other skills.
Depending on your needs, we may also recommend further assessments, such as brain scans and skill testing (also known as neuropsychology testing).
We’ll then talk to you about available support for you and your family or carers.
If you’re diagnosed with dementia, there are several treatment options we can discuss with you, including:
- Medication (which will be reviewed by your GP and at our memory clinic)
- Post-diagnostic counselling
- Cognitive stimulation therapy
- Support for life story work
- Appointments with Dementia Advisors who can provide information, support and help plan for the future
- Educational programmes for your family and carers
You may also like to read the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Handbook, which offers practical guidance for people living with memory difficulties.
Visit the Alzheimer Society's website to read the Memory Handbook (opens new browser tab)
If we aren’t able to diagnose you, but you’re showing signs of difficulties, we’ll book a follow up appointment with you in a year’s time to review your condition.
If you’re concerned about your memory or thinking skills, please make an appointment to see your GP first. They’ll be able to rule out other conditions and carry out their own assessment before referring you into our service.
Once you’re ready to be referred, your GP will need to contact our CPE team.
Call 0300 365 2000
Email gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk
Appointment letters are going digital. You’ll soon be able to receive a text message with a secure link to your appointment information and be able to confirm, cancel or rebook with just one click.
Read more about our digital correspondence (opens new browser tab)
Contact times
Day of the week | Time |
---|---|
Monday | 9am to 5pm |
Tuesday | 9am to 5pm |
Wednesday | 9am to 5pm |
Thursday | 9am to 5pm |
Friday | 9am to 5pm |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
Church Hill House
51-52 Turing Drive
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7FR
Call 01344 823220
Visit Bracknell Council website to find local authority dementia services (opens new browser tab)
Visit Signal4Carers website to read more about carers support (opens new browser tab)
Hazelwood Day Unit
Hazelwood Day Unit
Prospect Park Hospital
Honey End Lane
Reading
Berkshire
RG30 4EJ
Call 0118 960 5959
Upton Hospital
Albert Street
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 2BJ
Call 01753 635210
Visit Slough Council website to find local authority dementia services (opens new browser tab)
Beechcroft
Hillcroft House
Rookes Way
Newbury
RG18 3HR
Call 01635 292070
Nicholson House
Nicholson Walk
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 1LD
Call 01628 640 200
Barkham Day Hospital
Wokingham Hospital
41 Barkham Road
Wokingham
RG41 2RE
Call 0118 949 5101
Memory support
There are a number of local and national support groups that you can access, including:
- Alzheimer’s Society (visit their website - opens new browser tab)
- Berkshire carers (visit their website - opens new browser tab)
- Dementia Adventure(visit their website - opens new browser tab)
- Social Care Institute for Excellence (visit their website - opens new browser tab)
- YPWD Berkshire West (visit their website - opens new browser tab)
You can also find information from Alzheimer's Society on reducing your risk of dementia
Mental Health support
Our mental health teams and services, including Talking Therapies, are available if you need support.
Find out how to access mental health support (opens new browser tab)
You can also find resources and guides on our website to help you if you need more advice.
Resources to help with your mental health wellbeing (opens new browser tab)
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of progressive conditions which may affect memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, and possibly mood and behaviour.
Everyone will experience dementia differently, depending on the cause, on which parts of the brain is affected as the condition progresses, and their own personality and circumstances.
Our course will help you to understand and support someone recently diagnosed with dementia.
It is split into six sections, each covering different topic such as:
- What is Dementia?
- Memory and communication
- Understanding and coping with new behaviour
- Physical aspects
- Legal issues, drive, and benefits
- Ongoing care
Our course is free, and you can read the materials all in your own time.
The slides are displayed as PowerPoint (.ppt) files.
Resources section
Dementia Handbook
Understanding Dementia Course
My House of Memories app
NHS Choices