Will anything happen before an assessment date is offered?
The health professional will check to see if a head scan and ECG (electrocardiogram) has been completed within the last year and if not this may be requested. Appointment letters will be sent from University Hospitals of Derby and Burton for people in the south of the county and Chesterfield Royal Hospital for people in the north of the county.
A CT (computerised tomography) scan, also known as a CAT scan, uses x-rays and a computer to identify changes in the brain. For more information on what to expect please visit: CT scan - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to identify changes in the brain. For more information on what to expect please visit: MRI scan - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to check heart rhythm and electrical signals. An ECG helps to indicate whether it is suitable for an individual to take medications that may be offered to support them with their memory problems. For more information on what to expect visit: Electrocardiogram (ECG) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Is there anything that can help whilst waiting for an assessment?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
“What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.” Try to stay active, eat a healthy balanced diet, drink enough water, reduce stress levels, and keep engaged in social activities and hobbies.
Further information can be found on the following websites:
- Visit the NHS Live Well website
- Visit the NHS Better Health website
- Visit the NHS inform Healthy living website
Reduce alcohol
Alcohol can cause short-term and long-term impacts. An individual may find that when they have have drunk alcohol their decision making is altered, their risk taking may be higher, and their balance may be reduced. This can all increase the risk of causing injury to your brain. Long-term, excessive drinking can cause damage to the brain and increase the chances of developing dementia.
- Visit the NHS Alcohol support website
- Visit the NHS Drink less - Better Health website
- Visit the NHS alcohol misuse website
- Visit the Alzheimer's Society alcohol and dementia website
Quit smoking
Smoking causes damage to the blood vessels in our body. This can cause problems with the way the brain functions as it can reduce the blood flow to the brain. Reducing and quitting smoking is a positive step towards improving brain health.
- Visit the NHS Quit Smoking website
- Visit the NHS Better Health website
- Visit the Alzheimer's Society's Smoking and Dementia website
Use memory strategies
It can be helpful for an individual to have a range of techniques to help to compensate for the memory difficulties they are experiencing.
Engage your brain
It is important to keep the brain active. This can be done by engaging with other people in conversation, reading, listening to music, being challenged with puzzles, and doing things that are new. Keeping up with hobbies can be a great way to exercise the brain and follow interests. When out of habit with specific activities, it can take longer to pick them up again. In this way the brain is like a muscle, where repeating different tasks may build strength in those areas.
Stay social
Staying socially active is really important for brain health. It can help boost mood and help people to stay connected.
If an individual would like support with getting involved in activities or they are experiencing loneliness and isolation, they may wish to seek support from their GP. The GP may be able to put them in contact with someone (known as a Social Prescriber), who can support them to start activities.
Plan ahead
Individuals can find support and advice on planning for the future decisions via the Alzheimer’s Society website below. It may also be useful for them to speak with their GP or health professional for further information about this.
Pre-diagnostic support from the Alzheimer’s Society
If an individual has been referred for a memory assessment and is awaiting an appointment, they can get support, information and advice from the Derbyshire Dementia Support Service while they wait, tel: 01332 208845. The service can also support them through the diagnosis and answer any queries.
What will happen at the assessment?
An assessment will be completed by a Memory Assessment Health Professional; it is anticipated that the assessment will take place in a clinic but it can be completed via a telephone or video call if preferred. The health professional will conduct a personal and medical history and complete a dementia screening tool along with an appropriate memory assessment.
At the appointment, a health professional will explain the process and they will check that the individual is happy to continue with the assessment. The health professional will also discuss a care and contingency plan and request an individual's consent to assess and treat. The health professional will also need to see a list of current medications. Those invited for an assessment are encouraged to attend with a friend or family member.
The assessment will take approximately 90 minutes and whilst this may seem like a long time it will help the health professional to understand the severity of the memory difficulties being experienced and any support needs they may have.
