DementiaRoadmap
Promoting living well with dementia across Scotland
Memory assessment services
Memory assessment services undertake a more detailed assessment of memory and other thinking processes.
This consists of a range of ‘pen and paper’ type or equivalent computer-based tests and questions that will look at things like memory, verbal and non-verbal abilities.
These tests can be helpful in deciding the type of problem a person may have, particularly in the early stages. The assessment can be used as a baseline to measure any changes over time that can also help with making a diagnosis.
The initial assessment is often carried out by a nurse who may offer to visit you at home. They will then discuss the results of the assessment with a multidisciplinary team which includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and occupational therapists. A decision will then be made about whether any additional assessments are needed. These might include having a brain scan, or having more ‘pen and paper’ tests to look at your brain in more detail.
A functional assessment with an Occupational Therapist can determine the extent your memory impairment is having on your day to day life. An Occupational Therapist may conduct a functional assessment with you in your home to help establish your current skills, abilities and support needs. Occupational Therapists can also recommend aids and adaptations to your home to help maintain your independence and also suggest compensatory strategies to minimise the impact of any memory issues upon your daily life.
Information
- SIGN GuidelinesThe guideline covers: the identification and diagnosis of dementia, investigative procedures, post-diagnostic support, non-pharmacological distressed behaviours, grief and dementia, the changing needs of people with dementia, and palliative approaches.
- Stress and DementiaInformation about the link between stress and dementia
- Prevalence of dementia in population groups by protected characteristics: a systematic review of the literatureThis literature review published by Public Health England examines evidence on how the prevalence of dementia varies with different characteristics, such as ethnicity, gender and religion.
Services
- Older Adults Mental Health Team – West DunbartonshireOlder People’s Community Mental Health team serving West Dunbartonshire and the surrounding area. Service supports people with mental health needs including memory problems and dementia.