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.

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.

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.

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.

Read more about our digital correspondence (opens new browser tab)

Visiting our service

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

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

Support and self help

Memory support

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

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)

Understanding Dementia Course

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: