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.
Dementia is a broad term for progressive conditions which may affect memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, and possibly mood and behaviour.
Dementia affects about 900,000 people in the UK, and the risk of developing dementia increases as you get older.
Not all memory problems are caused by dementia. Memory can be affected by age, stress, tiredness, or certain illnesses and medications. If you notice regular changes to your daily life, you should speak with your GP.
Finding out the cause can mean you receive the support you need.
Visit the NHS website to learn more about dementia (opens new browser tab)
Visit The Alzheimer’s Society website to learn more about the types of dementia (opens new browser tab)
Visit the Alzheimer's Society website to read the behaviour changes guide (opens new browser tab)
Reducing your risk of developing dementia
Age, your biological genes, and your lifestyle can increase your risk of getting dementia.
Keeping active, eating healthily, and exercising your mind can have a part to play in reducing your risks of developing dementia.
Visit The Alzheimer’s Society website to learn about reducing your risks of dementia (opens new browser tab)
Young-onset dementia
Young-onset dementia refers to dementia that is diagnosed in people under the age of 65. It is estimated that there are more than 42,000 people living with young onset dementia in the UK.
It is also known as early-onset and working-age dementia.
Read about support for young-onset Dementia (opens new browser tab)
Appointment
When your GP refers you to us, one of our psychiatrists or memory clinic nurses will arrange an appointment with you.
This could be at a local clinic, online, or we may be able to visit your home.
It’s a good idea to bring a family member or friend to your appointment. People that know you well may be able to explain the difficulties you’ve been experiencing.
Memory assessment
Generally, most appointments will involve a memory assessment.
Dementia is a complex condition, and there is no single test to detect it. Instead, our specialist may use a combination of assessments as well as a medical history and your own recent experiences.
Next Steps have created a guide about what is involved in a memory assessment, if you would like to know more.
Next Steps is a part of the Dementia Change Action Network (DCAN), which is a collaboration between Alzheimer’s Society, NHS England & Improvement, and the Coalition for Personalised Care.
Read the Memory Assessment guide on the Next Steps website (pdf) (opens new browser tab)
Visit the Next Steps website (opens new browser tab)
Early assessment can help in making sure you receive the right treatments, manage your symptoms, and think about decisions for the future.
With the right help and support, it is possible to live well with dementia.
Treatments
During your appointment, we will talk with you about any treatment options we feel would help you.
Depending on your needs, this may include:
- Medication, to enhance your memory, or treat sleep or behaviour difficulties
- Post-diagnostic counselling, to help if you have received a dementia diagnosis
- Cognitive stimulation therapy, to help you feel engaged and supported in a group environment
- Support for life story work
- Appointments with Dementia Advisors who can provide information, and help you plan for the future
- Educational programmes for your family and carers
You can find more information about dementia treatments on the NHS and Alzheimer’s Society websites.
Visit The Alzheimer’s Society website to learn more about treatments
If you’re concerned about your memory or thinking skills, please speak to your GP first.
They will assess you, and may refer you to us if they think it will help.
Unfortunately we don’t accept self-referrals.
Call 0300 365 2000
Email gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk
I am worried about someone else
Some people find it difficult to talk about their health openly.
If you’re concerned about someone else and you notice symptoms of dementia, there is support available.
It may be that you’ve noticed they have difficulties remembering things like names and places, or often sound confused by routine situations.
Alzheimer’s Society, and Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) have guides on symptoms to look out for, and how to talk to someone about their health.
Read about symptoms of memory problems on the Alzheimer's Society website (opens new browser tab)
Read about dementia symptoms on the NHS website (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 |
Bracknell
Church Hill House
51-52 Turing Drive
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7FR
Call 01189 046 900
Maidenhead
Nicholson House
Nicholson Walk
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 1LD
Call 01628 640 200
Newbury
Beechcroft
Hillcroft House
Rookes Way
Newbury
RG18 3HR
Call 01635 292 070
Reading
Hazelwood Day Unit
Hazelwood Day Unit
Prospect Park Hospital
Honey End Lane
Reading
Berkshire
RG30 4EJ
Call 0118 960 59 59
Slough
Slough Upton Hospital
Albert Street
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 2BJ
Call 0300 247 3001
Wokingham
Barkham Day Hospital
Wokingham Hospital
41 Barkham Road
Wokingham
RG41 2RE
Call 0118 949 5101
Support, guides, and courses
Charities and communities
Read our leaflet to find details of local and national support groups
Read our Dementia charities and communities leaflet (pdf)
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)
- 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)
Everyone will experience dementia differently. It can depend on the cause, on which parts of the brain is affected as the condition progresses, and the person’s own personality and circumstances.
Our course will help you to understand and support someone recently diagnosed with dementia.
Our course is free, and you can read the materials all in your own time.
It has 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
The slides are displayed as PowerPoint (.ppt) files.
Family members can also attend the course in person or online through the memory clinic. As well as learning more about dementia, this is an opportunity to meet other carers in a similar situation.
Young-onset dementia refers to dementia that is diagnosed in people under the age of 65. It is estimated that there are more than 42,000 people living with young-onset dementia in the UK.
It is also known as early-onset and working-age dementia.
In Berkshire, there are a number of services that specifically support people with young-onset dementia and their family and friends.
A dementia diagnosis can be a lot to take in. Give yourself a little time to adjust.
It might help to talk it through with family and friends. It’s important to know that you are not alone – about 900,000 people in the UK have dementia. It’s possible to live well with dementia and there is support available for you and your family.
This page covers the topics you might consider when planning for your treatment, and day to day life.
We have included links to guides from the NHS, our Memory Service, and from the Alzheimer's Society charity.
Supporting a person with dementia could be both highly rewarding, but challenging role.
We want to make sure you feel supported, valued, and informed so that you can take care of yourself, and your loved ones.
There’s a range of emotional and practical support available to you if you need help.
