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.

Mental Health support during COVID-19

Our mental health teams and services, including Talking Therapies, are available if you need support.

Find out how to access mental health support

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

How we can help 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.

Read the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Handbook

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.

Accessing our service

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.

Find out more information about digital correspondence

Visiting our service

You can contact any of our memory clinics between the following times: