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Our service aims to discover the cause of memory problems with an in-depth assessment at one of our three memory clinics.
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How we can help
How we can help
There are many reasons why people experience memory problems. Commonly it is simply due to age but sometimes it can be caused by other conditions. These can include stress or the early stages of a dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease.
We can help by discovering the cause of your memory problem and provide you with the appropriate information, support and treatment that you need to help you to live well and independently.
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How to get help
How to get help
You will need to be referred to us by your GP, so that we can assess the concerns that you, a healthcare professional, or a relative or friend, have about your memory.
Please allow up to three hours for your appointment.
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Exeter, East and Mid Devon
Health and Wellbeing Clinic
Wonford House
Dryden Road
Exeter, EX2 5AF
01392 674 067 -
North Devon
Health and Wellbeing Clinic
North Devon District Hospital
Raleigh Park
Barnstaple, EX31 4JB
01271 443 231 -
Torbay, South and West Devon
Torbay Mental Health Unit
Lowes Bridge
Torquay, TQ2 7AA
01803 396 520
Your assessment
Bringing someone with you
We recommend that you bring a relative or close friend to your assessment. With your consent, we will speak with them to gain additional insight into the difficulties you've been experiencing. Their input can help us develop a clearer understanding of your situation and ensure you receive the most appropriate support.
What else to bring
Please also bring a list of any medications you are currently taking. If you use reading glasses or a hearing aid, remember to bring those as well.
If you are currently driving and have reported memory difficulties that may affect your driving, we will provide guidance at your appointment. If you receive a diagnosis of a cognitive condition such as dementia, it is your legal responsibility to inform the DVLA, as such conditions can affect driving safety over time.
On the day
During your visit to the memory clinic, you will see:
- An assistant psychologist who will undertake an assessment of your memory and other areas such as language and concentration.
- A support worker who, with your consent, will talk to your relative or friend while you are with the assistant psychologist. They will ask questions about you and the problems you have been experiencing.
- A doctor or non-medical prescriber who will discuss your overall results, the outcome of your assessment and medication if indicated.
- On very rare occasions, we may have to implement changes to the operational side of the clinic, sometimes at short notice. This may result in you not seeing a doctor on the same day.
After your assessment
Following your assessment we will write to your GP (unless you decline). A copy of this letter will also be sent to you and will include:
- The outcome of the assessment and your diagnosis, if applicable
- Information about any medication that may be required and any other treatment that may help you.
If you have been given a diagnosis of dementia you will be given a follow-up appointment with a dementia support worker from your local community mental health team, within four weeks. Here, you will have the opportunity to discuss the outcome of your assessment and ask any questions that you might have. A range of support and information will also be offered at this point.