Service : Older People's Mental Health Service

Difficulties with your memory or behaviour are not a normal part of getting older. 

We can support you if you’re having difficulties with thinking or daily functioning.

We can offer assessments which will look at possible causes such as dementia, as well as physical health issues, medication side-effects, and mild cognitive impairment.

We also offer specialist support if you’re under the age of 65 and have been diagnosed with young-onset dementia. 

Our service is available to adults of any age, if you’re experiencing progressive changes in your thinking skills, daily functioning, or behaviour. 

You must be referred to us by your GP or a healthcare professional. They must first confirm that you’re experiencing progressive changes in your thinking skills, such as problems with memory, visuospatial functioning, language or attention, which may be accompanied by changes in daily living skills or behavioural changes.

Temporary, short-term changes might not be a cause of concern. 

However, a referral to our Memory Clinic may be the right approach if your difficulties have lasted for 6 months or more and are not directly caused by a physical health problem.We don’t accept self-referrals.

Our Memory Clinic will contact you to arrange your appointment, if we can accept your referral.

See the dementia symptoms checklist to help you make note of symptoms before you talk to your GP.

You can review more information what to expect from your assessment at the Memory Clinic on the Next Steps website.

• Dementia symptoms checklist
• Next Steps website

Appointment

Once you’ve been referred to us, we’ll arrange your appointment with you.

This will be the chance for us to understand your needs and create your care plan together.

Your appointment could be at one of our local clinics, in your home, or possibly over an online or phone call.

Let us know if you need any other support with communication, language, or environmental adaptations.  

We have clinics at Wokingham Hospital, Church Hill House in Bracknell, Beechcroft in Newbury, Nicholsons House in Maidenhead, Hazelwood Day Unit in Reading, and Upton Hospital in Slough.

Cognitive assessment

Dementia is a complex condition, and there is no single test to detect it. Instead, we’ll use a combination of techniques.
Early assessment can help ensure you receive the right treatments, manage symptoms effectively and make informed decisions about the future.

We may offer a cognitive assessment, to check your memory and understand any problems you have with thinking.

We’ll also check your medical history, and any recent problems you’ve been having.

If it’s appropriate, we may arrange a head scan at a local hospital, but we will talk about this first with you.

What to bring

To help make your appointment easier and more effective, please remember to bring:

• A list of your current medications, including dosages
• Your reading glasses or hearing aids, if you use them
• Comfortable clothing
• Notes or observations you have made about changes in your thinking skills or other areas

It’s a good idea to bring a family member, friend, or carer to your appointment. Someone who knows you well may be able to describe changes they’ve noticed and help provide a fuller picture of your experiences.

Treatments and support

We’ll discuss any treatment options that may be helpful, such as:

• Medication to improve your thinking skills or manage mood, sleep, and behaviour
• Post-diagnostic support to help you adjust if indicated
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in group settings
• Appointments with Dementia Advisers to help plan for the future
• Educational programmes for your family and carers, including our Understanding Dementia Course

You can find more information about dementia treatments on the Alzheimer’s Society website.

• Learn more

A diagnosis or going through an assessment for memory or cognitive difficulties can be life-changing.

There are many ways to take control of your health and wellbeing so that you can live well and plan ahead.

Dementia can affect anyone and many of the risks cannot be avoided. There are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia:

• NHS website
• Alzheimer's Society

For you

Understanding your condition is the important first step. We’ll provide clear explanations and resources tailored to your needs.

You can also explore trusted sources like the NHS and Alzheimer's Society.

Looking after your physical and mental health can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

• Stay active with gentle exercise like walking or stretching
• Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
• Keep your mind engaged with puzzles, reading, or hobbies
• Stay socially connected with friends, family, or support groups
• Attend regular health checks and medication reviews

Planning ahead helps you stay in control:

• Consider legal and financial planning (e.g. Lasting Power of Attorney)
• Record your wishes through advance care planning
• Explore support options for daily living and future care

• Alzheimer's Society - Living well
• NHS - Living well
• Alzheimer's Society - Staying healthy
• Alzheimer's Society - Planning ahead

For carers

Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding, but also emotionally and physically demanding.

To keep yourself healthy, safe, and informed, you can:

• Learn about the condition to better understand changes in behaviour and communication
• Attend educational programmes and carer workshops offered by the Memory Clinic
• Keep a record of symptoms, medications, and appointments
• Encourage routines and activities that promote wellbeing
• Take breaks and seek respite care when needed

Support available

• Dementia Advisers can help you navigate services and plan for the future
• Peer support groups offer connection with others in similar situations
• Counselling services are available to support your emotional wellbeing
• Carer assessments through your local authority may help identify additional support needs

• Carers UK
• Alzheimer's Society
• NHS Talking Therapies
• Dementia UK