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The Memory Assessment Service (MAS). Dr Nikki Belsham Clinical Psychologist/Clinical Lead Karen Thompsett Senior Practitioner. Who we are?. A team of Senior Practitioners (nurses or occupational therapists by profession); psychologists, medics, occupational therapists and admin
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The Memory Assessment Service (MAS) Dr Nikki Belsham Clinical Psychologist/Clinical Lead Karen Thompsett Senior Practitioner
Who we are? • A team of Senior Practitioners (nurses or occupational therapists by profession); psychologists, medics, occupational therapists and admin • We are an assessment and diagnosis service for people who have memory problems or difficulties with other thinking skills
Memory and Forgetting • No-one has a perfect memory and we all forget things from time to time • I bet we have all got into a room & cannot remember what we went for… • Or we have all sat watching the TV trying to remember the actor’s name or what else they have been in… • Or what day it is… • Or when our doctor’s appointment is… • And so on and so on!
Possible Reasons for Memory Problems • Tiredness and poor sleep • Stress and having too much to do • Feeling down, depressed or worried about things • Physical health problems and feeling unwell • Chronic pain • Vitamin B12 deficiency • Medication – prescription and over-the-counter • Excessive alcohol over a long period of time
And the “D” Word” or Dementia • It is not inevitable or a normal part of ageing • It can affect anyone • The greatest risk factor for developing dementia is age • Whilst there currently are not any cures, there are treatments, interventions and supports to help people and their families live well with dementia
What is dementia? • The word “dementia” is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions • People generally have memory problems but usually will have other difficulties with cognitive abilities or thinking skills • These memory/cognitive problems have to affect the person in everyday life i.e. managing their day-to-day responsibilities • Other causes for these problems have to be ruled out
Types of dementia • There are thought to be over 100 different types of dementia • Most common type is Alzheimer’s disease • Other dementias include Vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Alcohol related dementia
The Assessment Process • Pre-assessment counselling • Clinical history gathering – asking lots of questions to find out what has been going on • Paper and pencil tests and questionnaires • Feedback appointment – the outcome of the assessment • Support Planning – to help you live well
Support planning:Living Well With Dementia • Written Support Plan and information • Consideration for anti-dementia medication • Memory groups run by the Trust • Research possibilities • Alzheimer’s Society – Dementia Connect service • Admiral Nurse Service and DISC • Social Services input if needed