memory clinic, what is it?

sag

Registered User
Nov 26, 2007
8
0
my mum has just been refered to the memory clinic, as i will be taking her can anyone tell me what i am going in to. will feel better about it if i know what its about. cheers
 

sue38

Registered User
Mar 6, 2007
10,849
0
55
Wigan, Lancs
Hi Sag,

I think the memory clinic can vary depending on which area you are in, but in our case it was merely a fancy word for a meeting with the consultant. He carried out an MMSE (mini mental state examination) and gve us a slightly different diagnosis to the one we had been given previously.

The other things which could happen, as I understand it, is that your mum may be referred for scans and other tests; you may be referred to Social Services for a care assessment; and be assigned a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse).

From our experience none of this may happen unless you ask for it. So if you and your Mum need help you may need to shout (loudly) for it. Don't feel you are being a nuisance, these services are there for a reason.

I hope it goes well, please let us know how you get on.
 

Clive

Registered User
Nov 7, 2004
716
0
Hi SAG

I think you will find the “memory clinic” varies in different parts of the country.

In mum’s case it was nothing more than the name given to the Consultant’s surgery, to which we were referred by the GP when he suspected AD.

We went every three months. On most occasions we were asked if there were any problems / changes, and then mum was given the mini mental test and her score recorded. It was at the memory clinic that the Consultant told me mum had AD after arranging for her to have a variety of tests at the local hospital.

If there was a need to change mum’s AD (mental) medication the Consultant would give mum a prescription for the first months pills. In mum’s case she then got the repeat prescriptions from her GP.

The CPN also worked from the same surgery, (or clinic).

I always found it hard to say how difficult it was to look after mum, and how bad she was getting. I suggest you make sure you tell it how it is so that you have a chance of getting help.

Hope this is helpful. Possible others will be able to provide variations on my experience.



Best wishes

Clive
 

BeckyJan

Registered User
Nov 28, 2005
18,971
0
Derbyshire
Hello SAG
In North Derbyshire the 'clinic' is a memory check in the patient's own home. It was felt that going to an outpatients type clinic was not in the interest of patient and carer.

These should occur every 6 months - just a memory check and chat.

I suggest that you make notes - a sort of diary - showing how difficult things are and give a copy to the Consultant/CPN.

Perhaps you should mention your district in a post and you may get replies from those who understand the system there.

I am certain that you will not feel it an ordeal - your Mum may take offence at being 'tested'. My husband became very rude about it although generally he is very polite and kindhearted.

Good luck Jan
 
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Sandy

Registered User
Mar 23, 2005
6,847
0
Hi sag,

First of all, congratulations for getting your mum an appointment at the memory clinic.

There is a page on the main Alzheimer's Society web site that has links to two fact sheets: one on the assessment process and one on the MMSE test: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200292

It may seem a bit daunting at first but it really is one of the key steps to getting a proper diagnosis and, hopefully, some help.

Take care,

Sandy
 

Nebiroth

Registered User
Aug 20, 2006
3,510
0
In my area, the Memory Clinic is a specialist unit with a number of consultants and nurses who specifically deal with dementia, and it is also a centre of research. It is attached to the very large psychiatic hospital. It has it;s own buildings and even does things like running courses both for people with dementia and for their carers.

However, in our case, all examinations have taken place at home by various visiting nurses and consultants.