Memory Assessment Service
What We Do
The Memory Assessment Service (MAS) provided by Cwm Taf Morgannwg Local Health Board will deliver a comprehensive and holistic service to those referred because of concern that they may have memory difficulties, including timely assessment, diagnosis followed by appropriate post-diagnostic care and treatment. The service will be provided to those suspected of having cognitive difficulties due to a progressive condition and will not be appropriate for those with static cognitive impairment due to, for example, brain injury. We are a multi-disciplinary team.
Can anyone use this service?
All adults over the age of 18.
We accept referrals from GPs and hospitals.
What to expect
It is recommended that the client brings someone who knows them well such as a family member or friend. This allows the both of them to express their views and for the nurse to understand the current situation. The nurse will ask for their consent to proceed with the assessment.
The assessment consists of:
- General questions around personal, social and work life.
- Specific questions concentrating on memory and mood.
- Completing an ACE III or Mini ACE
- A referral for a CT scan (if required)
Depending on the outcome of the assessment the next steps could be:
- Discharge from the Memory Assessment Service, if there’s found to be no evidence of cognitive problems
- Referral to your GP to treat mood (prescribing antidepressants) if your cognitive issues are thought to be caused by depression.
- A diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, which will mean further assessments (usually annually) to watch for decline.
- A diagnosis of one or more forms of dementia, and discussion of a treatment plan.
Post Diagnoses
- Detailing a diagnosis, (where it has been possible to make one) and an explanation about how this may affect you/them currently and in the future.
- Leaflets and written information that will help to explain the diagnosis and support future planning, e.g. Living Well with dementia, Alzheimer’s society, items from the reading well booklist, videos and apps.
- Information about local and national support networks, e.g. young dementia UK, including peer support options and enabling access to other financial, health and practical support.
- Details of a named contact(s) going forward, with contact details provided for the team administration, Dementia Advisor, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Psychiatrist for each individual.
Contact us
Memory Assessment Service – Bridgend
71 Quarella Road
Bridgend
CF31 1JS
(01656) 763097
Memory Assessment Service – Cynon
Ysbyty Cwm Cynon
New Road
Mountain Ash
CF45 4BZ (For Navigation Purposes Please Use CF45 4DG)
(01685) 721721 (Ask for memory service at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon)
Memory Assessment Service – Merthyr
Keir Hardie University Health Park
Aberdare Road
Merthyr Tydfil
CF48 1BZ (For navigation purposes please do not use this postcode.)
(01685) 721721 (Ask for memory service at Keir Hardie University Health Park)
Memory Assessment Service – Rhondda
Ysbyty George Thomas
Mattie Collins Way
Treorchy
RCT
CF42 6YG
(01443) 443033
Memory Assessment Service – Taff Ely
Maritime Resource Service
Woodland Terrace
Maesycoed
Pontypridd
CF37 1DZ
(01443) 443001