Memory Assessment Service (MAS)

The Memory Assessment Service is a dementia diagnostic clinic comprising of Psychiatrists, Nurses and Assistant Psychologist, that has access to neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging.

The service aims to complete an assessment with the referred person within forty working days. The service will aim to conclude the diagnosis at the initial assessment, where possible.

When discussing the diagnosis, the clinician will also provide information on prognosis and treatment options.

The clinician also goes through the memory clinic pack, which contains information leaflets, and will make onward referrals to both the Alzheimer’s Society services, which are Dementia Connect and Post Diagnosis Information Session.

The service will also refer the carer to Carers Bucks if appropriate.

If during the process of assessment with MAS, there is a decline observed in person's mental health, a referral can be made to Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) by the service for further support.

You can also contact your GP if you have concerns around your mental health and they can support with making referral to appropriate services including CMHT.

The team supports service users with serious and enduring mental illness. They provide mental health services in the community to people who are over 65 years old, who are experiencing functional or organic mental health problems.

Services include:

• assessment and diagnosis
• psychological intervention
• medication management
• support, advice and health information
• support and education for primary care teams, social and community services, and other statutory, voluntary and private organisations providing care to older people with mental health needs

Interventions may include:

• medication
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including CBT for carers
• interpersonal therapy
• family therapy

People who give you regular support may be described as carers and may be family members or friends. They are entitled to a Carers Assessment. Additional advice and support can be offered to carers at time of crisis, including safety planning.

Where a person with dementia (or their carer) has been assessed as needing more help, they may for a short time received more intensive support from the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

If the person’s needs exceed that which can be given by the CMHT, an inpatient admission to a psychiatric hospital may be considered. If this is the case, a named worker from the CMHT will remain involved to support transition back into the community.

Where service user needs or risks exceed than can be offered by the CMHT duty team, an inpatient admission to psychiatric hospital may be considered.

During an admission, your named worker from CMHT will continue to remain involved to provide input in ongoing care arrangements and to support transition back into the community who can offer additional advice & support to carers.

For more information about the team, read the leaflet for Older Adults Community Mental Health Team.

Find more information about what to expect at your memory appointment.