4 November 2020

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

The NHS are urging West Sussex residents struggling with ongoing memory issues to contact their GP for a memory assessment.

Bikram Raychaudhuri, Clinical Lead for Dementia at the Sussex NHS Commissioners said: “We can all experience memory problems from time to time, for example forgetting where you have left your keys or forgetting why you went into a certain room. For the most part these are not things to be too concerned about. However, if you or someone you know begins to experience regular memory loss and disorientation, or subtle changes in personality over a prolonged period, especially if it is impacting your daily activities such as difficulty in cooking, cleaning or taking medication, then it is a good idea to speak to a GP. Family, friends or carers may often recognise these changes before the person affected.”

The Dementia Assessment Service are a team of healthcare providers, working with dementia advisors and dementia support workers from the Alzheimer’s Society, whose focus is the early assessment, diagnosis and treatment of people suspected of developing a dementia.

The NHS is working hard to deal with coronavirus but it is still here if you need it. There are currently delays in assessments by the Dementia Assessment Service due to the pandemic but the service is working hard to contact people as soon as they can.

Living with dementia brings everyday challenges for the person, their family and carer, and unfortunately, the coronavirus is making daily life that bit harder. People living with dementia and those around them may feel anxious, scared or lonely, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone and help is available. There are a range of community services available to offer support you including telephone befriending services and doorstep deliveries. Visit the West Sussex Connect to Support website which offers an extensive list of local support services.

Due to coronavirus, the way that you access services may be different to what you are used to. To protect you, NHS staff and prevent the spread of coronavirus, initial appointment may be online or by phone.