Memory Assessment Service

A Memory Assessment Service (MAS) team comprises a number of different staff with different roles. This usually includes:

• doctors
• nurses
• psychologists
• occupational therapists
• community support workers
• administration staff

We also work in partnership with dementia advisors and dementia support workers through the Alzheimer's Society.

The primary function of our team is the early assessment, diagnosis and treatment of people suspected of developing a dementia.

We do not see people who:

• do not have a dementia or where dementia is not one of a number of diagnoses to be eliminated
• have suspected alcohol-related cognitive (relating to memory, learning, thoughts) difficulties and are still drinking
• do not consent to a referral to the memory assessment service

Diagnosing dementia accurately and early helps to ensure that people can access the treatment, support and advice they need to stay well and live independently for as long as possible.

We can all experience memory problems from time to time, for example forgetting where you have left your keys, or entering a room and not recalling the reason for going there. We may also not know the exact date all the time, but these are not things to be too concerned about. 

However, if you begin to experience memory loss and disorientation, or notice subtle changes in your personality, with increased freqency over a six month period then we may be able to help. It can often be the case that you are not aware of these changes yourself but they are noticed by family or friends who know you well.

If you are worried that you may be developing a dementia then please visit your GP and discuss your concerns with them initially. It might be helpful to take someone with you for support.

Your GP is already aware of your physical health and the medications you are taking. With your permission they should do a brief memory test with you and if you have someone with you they may ask them some questions as well. Your GP will hopefully be able to reassure you that things are OK, but in some cases they may feel that you would benefit from a referral to us for an assessment.

They will ask for your consent to refer you to the Memory Assessment Service and ask you who the best person is to contact about an appointment - it may be yourself or someone who you give permission to act on your behalf. If you haven't recently has blood tests they may organise for these to be done.

Part of our assessment would ideally involve a CT brain scan. It may not be necessary in some cases but it would be helpful to tell your GP whether you agree to a scan.

Can only GPs refer me to MAS?

Although most referrals come directly from a GP or other GP surgery staff (such as Nurse Practitioners), other health and social care professionals who have seen you can also refer to us. This includes hospital staff such as DOME (Department of Medicine for the Elderly) or Neurology (Parkinson’s disease clinics).

Paramedics and social workers can also refer but they need to inform your GP they are doing so and ensure the relevant blood tests have been carried out, and that your consent has been obtained.

Referrals are received throughout the day and are checked over by a member of the MAS team.

Sometimes the person assessing the referral will contact you, a family member or your GP for some additional information, otherwise you will be allocated a Lead Practitioner (generally but not always a nurse). They will contact you or your representative to arrange a convenient time for your assesment.

We receive a large number of referrals so we try to see most people at a clinic. However, personal circumstances are taken into account so if you have mobility problems, do not drive or do not know someone who drives, or if you are unable to use or access public transport, we we try to be flexible and carry out your assessment in a convenient place.

When you arrive for your assessment we will talk you thorugh what is going to happen. We will also check that you have given your consent for the assessment to go ahead, and that you are well enough to either give or refuse your permission (also known as having 'capacity').

You may be asked for your personal view of being referred to our service, as will the person who comes along to the appointment with you. You will be asked some questions about your personal and social circumstances, and your work history. We will also ask more specific questions about your memory and mood. Finally you will be asked to confirm whether you give consent for a CT brain scan (or in some instances an MRI head scan may be of greater value).

At the end of your assessment we will given you written information about what is going to happen next.

We strongly encourage you to attend your CT or MRI scan appointment. Please be aware that waiting times to receive the radiologist report from the scan can be up to eight weeks, depending upon other scanning demands in the hospital. Once we receive this report a member of our administration team will contact you to arrange an appointment to discuss the results. This may be referred to as a 'diagnostic appointment'.

We aim to undertake your assessment within four weeks of receiving the referral. It's hard to say how long a diagnosis will take, but the current time between referral and diagnosis is usually between three to six months.

We understand that waiting for an assessment can be an extremely stressful time and we are working hard to reduce the waiting times. 

Following your appointment to discuss the results of your assessment and CT or MRI scan, one of the following will happen: 

• Nothing of note cognitively is found and you are discharged from the Memory Assessment Service
• The doctor may identify elements of low mood and/or depression that is impacting on your cognition and in the first instance ask your GP to prescribe an antidepressant for you and monitor your response to it. MAS would then review you around three months later
• Some cognitive impairment is confirmed but a definitive diagnosis is unable to be made at that time. You may then be referred on for a more specialist assessment, such as neuropsychology within MAS or sometimes to the Neurology Department at a hospital
• A diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment is made and you would be reviewed again by MAS in a year’s time
• A diagnosis of a dementia is made. Some types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, can be prescribed medication (depending on your physical health and any other medication you may already be taking) whilst others such as Vascular Dementia unfortunately cannot be treated with medication.

Anyone diagnosed with a dementia will be contacted by a Dementia Advisor from the Alzheimer’s Society. They often run clinics alongside the doctors so you have the opportunity to see them straight after your MAS appointment. In the event that a clinic is not running that day or you are seen at home by the MAS doctor then the Dementia Advisor will contact you as soon as possible afterwards. You will also be assigned a Dementia Support Worker by the Alzheimer's Society, who will provide support to any carers or relatives involved with you.

MAS also run an extensive group programme. Some, such as the Information Session – Understanding Dementia, are open to both the patient and their carer to attend. Others, such as the Cognitive Stimulation Group and Living Well With Dementia group, are only for the person with dementia.

In the event that medication is required the MAS doctor or a Nurse Prescriber will provide you with a three month prescription and you will be reviewed during that period. Once you are stabilised on your medication you will be discharged back to the care of your GP. 

Sussex Partnership is committed to improving the way we work with carers. We are a member of Triangle of Care and this page contains useful information and resources to help you if you are caring for someone with dementia.