Bedfordshire & Luton Memory Assessment Service (MAS)

Have I got dementia? 
If you are worried about your memory there is no harm in asking for an assessment, this should reassure you as well as leading to help and support.  
 
What do I do if I am worried about my memory? 
Please visit your GP who will do a short memory test and will send a referral to us, if necessary
 
Is there any treatment? 
There are medicines available which we can prescribe for some types of dementia, which aim to slow down the progression of the symptoms.  We can also support you in accessing Talking Therapies and other support in the local area.
 
What happens at my appointment? 
A practitioner will meet you and ask you questions about your memory 'story'. They will also ask you to complete a short memory  test.  the doctor may subsequently ask our occupational therapist and/or our psychologist to see you for further assessments.
 
How long will I have to wait? 
We aim to offer you an appointment with the doctor within six weeks of your referral from the GP.
 
Who can I contact if I am worried? 
Your GP would be the first person you can speak to.  
 
Will I have any tests?   
We require recent blood test results and often an ECG, arranged by your GP.  Apart from the short memory test at your initial assessment, we usually ask for the head scan from the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
 
Can I bring someone with me?   
Yes please, we like you to bring someone who knows you well to accompany you to the appointment.
 
What happens if I get a diagnosis of dementia?   
We offer an appointment to everyone after diagnosis to see one of the team for advice, support and offer guidance for the future.

The Memory Assessment Service accepts referrals from GPs. Once a referral has been received and triaged, a support worker will contact you or the family to gather further information and concerns. 

Following the initial contact, you will be given a date and time for your assessment. You will then receive a confirmation letter and further information.

• Dementia Research
• Dementia Carers
• Dementia Partnerships
• Dementia Partnerships
• Age Concern Luton
• Alzheimer's Society

Our MAS services are based at the following locations:

Bedford 
Twinwoods Health Resource Centre
Milton Road
Clapham
MK41 6AT 

tel: 01234 275 464   

The health professional will check to see if a head scan has been completed within the last year and if not this may be requested. If not, if you are between the ages of 65-85 a head CT scan will be requested to your local hospital.

Useful links

• What is a CT scan?
• What is an MRI scan? 

An assessment will be completed by a Memory Assessment Health Professional, this can take place at our clinic or your home address. At the appointment, a health professional will explain the process and they will check that the individual is happy to continue with the assessment. 

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.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle 
• Reduce alcohol  
• Quit or reduce smoking   
• Memory strategies
• Stay social 

• MNS - Memory Navigation Service
• Tibbs   
• Age UK 

Healthy lifestyle choices play an important role in the maintenance of everybody’s memory. Although there is a genetic component to dementia, research suggests that lifestyle factors can increase risk six-fold1, poor sleep alone is implicated in a 70% increased risk1. Other studies have found that the opposite is also true, suggesting that changes in diet alone may reduce the risk of developing dementia by more than 50%1. 

However, it is believed that these are just two of many factors including exercise, stress management, social interaction and cognitive stimulation. Research suggests that making healthy lifestyle changes in all of these areas may reduce dementia risk by up to 90%1.

research suggests increasing the amount of plant-based foods in your diet may be beneficial due to their antioxidants, the makeup of their nutrients and their anti-inflammatory properties2. 

This means that trying eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and seeds may help brain health and memory2. Similarly, studies show that reducing meat consumption may be beneficial due, in part, to meat’s high levels of saturated fat2.

Increasing exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation, which promotes vascular pathways in the brain and help keep it healthy5. 

Even only a daily brisk walk may reduce dementia risk by up to 40%6 and studies have shown that exercises to increase leg strength are associated with improvements in cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment7. 

Other research suggests that daily aerobic exercise may be a protective factor against dementia in older adults and may lead to memory improvements8. Conversely, there is some early research to suggest more sedentary behaviour may increase the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment9.

Evidence suggests that effective stress management can play an important role in memory. 

Research has found that those who meditate have greater activity in a number of areas of the brain, including those associated with concentration, and that these are most pronounced in older adults, suggesting that meditation may offset age-related brain changes10. On the other hand, studies have found that chronic stress may shrink the brain11.

A great deal of research of research has also been conducted on the benefits of social interaction and cognitive stimulation for memory and more information about these can be found in our Cognitive Stimulation and Memory factsheet.

There are a number of different physical health factors that can have an impact on memory, therefore it is important that an individual looks after their physical health and alerts their GP or health professional of any changes that concern them. Looking after health includes receiving continued support and management of any existing physical health conditions. 

Other issues related to physical health, which may impact an individual's memory could include: · 

• Pain - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/pain/how-to-get-nhs-help-for-your-pain/
• Menopause - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/
• Delirium - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/delirium
• Post-intensive care Unit - https://icusteps.org/
• Nutrition & Hydration - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/drinking-hydration 

 If an individual is caring for someone that may have dementia it is important that they also look after themselves. Making sure they meet their own needs and get time to relax allows them to give their loved one the best support they can. An individual may not be aware of it but there is also support available to them during these times. 

They can find further information about what is available to them and the person they are caring for on the following websites.

• Carers in beds:
• Council - Bedfordshire Council
• Carer Helplines 
  Support Line is confidential and free and offers emotional support to any person on any issue.
  • Call: 01708765200 
• Dementia UK Helpline Number for Carers:
  • 0800 888 6678 (Admiral nurses)
• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 or www.ageuk.org.uk Information and advice.
• Alzheimers Association: 0333 150 3456 
  Dementia Connect support line www.alzheimers.org.uk  Will provide information on caring for someone with Alzheimers/Dementia. ·
• Carefree  Enables full time unpaid carers to take a break
• Carers UK - CarersLine: 080 8808 7777  Information ad advice on all aspects of caring, including advice on welfare rights, benefits and community care issues. Network of offices, branches and contacts offer support to carers.  
• DISS - · Mental health crisis line (111 - option 2)
• The National Careline 0800 0699 784  
  The National Careline provides support and information to the elderly, their carers and their families. They provide a free helpline and website which offers a lot of advice and information relevant to the needs and aspirations of older people. ·
• Silver line: 0800 4708090 (open 365 days a year)