Memory service

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

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.

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

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

Church Hill House 

51-52 Turing Drive
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7FR

Call 01344 823220

Find local authority dementia services for Bracknell

Find out more about carers support 

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

Find local authority dementia services for Slough 

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

There are a number of local and national support groups that you can access, including:

• Alzheimer’s Society (visit their website)
• Berkshire carers (visit their website)
• Social Care Institute for Excellence (visit their website)
• YPWD Berkshire West (visit their website)
• Dementia adventure (visit their website)

You can also find information from Alzheimer's Society on reducing your risk of dementia

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.

Find out more about the Understanding Dementia Course