Memory Services

Memory services

Memory Services are specialist NHS services for people experiencing difficulties with memory, thinking, or day-to-day functioning.

We support older adults, their families and carers across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey
Islington.

Our aim is to provide timely assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing support, helping people to live as well as possible with memory difficulties or dementia.

Who is this service for?

You may be referred to Memory Services if there are concerns about:

• Memory loss
• Thinking or concentration
• Language or communication
• Changes in daily functioning

Memory problems can have many causes. An assessment helps us understand what is happening and what support may help.

What to expect

Before your first appointment you will:

• Receive appointment details by letter or telephone
• Be able to request an interpreter or support if needed
• Be encouraged to bring:
— A list of medications
— Glasses or hearing aids
— A family member, friend or carer

Your first appointment

Appointments usually last 1–1.5 hours and may take place:
• In a clinic, or
• At home (where clinically appropriate)

During the appointment, we will:
• Talk about your concerns and history
• Discuss your day-to-day life
• Carry out simple memory and thinking tests
• Consider whether further tests are needed

After your assessment

• We will write to you and your GP with the outcome
• If a diagnosis is made, we will:
— Explain what it means
— Agree a care and support plan with you

Ongoing support and care

Memory Services provide ongoing support after diagnosis, which may include:
• Advice and information about dementia
• Support with planning care and future needs
• Medication review (where appropriate)
• Signposting to community and voluntary services
Support is tailored to individual needs and may vary across boroughs.

Support for families and carers

Memory problems affect not only the individual but also families and carers.
With your consent, we can:
• Provide advice and guidance
• Offer information about caring for someone with dementia
• Signpost to local support services and groups

Useful information and resources

National & specialist support

The following organisations provide information, advice and support at a national level:

• Alzheimer’s Society – Information, support line, online community and local service signposting— phone: 0208 351 1131 / 0330 333 0804

• Age UK – Provides information, advice and support for older people, including guidance on living with dementia.

• Dementia UK – Specialist Admiral Nurses, helpline and practical advice— phone: 0800 888 6678

• Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) – Peer support networks, including groups for LGBTQ+ people

• Rare Dementia Support – Specialist support for people with less common dementia diagnoses

Wellbeing, activities & digital Support

These organisations offer creative, social and digital support to improve wellbeing:

• Engage Here – Creative arts workshops for people living with dementia

• For Brian CIC – Co-produced support including art, yoga and cycling groups

• Music for My Mind – Personalised music playlists for people with dementia

• My House of Memories – App to explore memories and personal history

• Playlist for Life – Guidance and resources on using music to support people with dementia

• Opening Doors (Rainbow Memory Café) – Support for LGBTQ+ people affected by dementia

Helpful resources

The following resources may be useful for people living with dementia and their carers:

• Living with Dementia Toolkit — Practical advice and real-life examples to help people stay safe, active and connected.

• iSupport (WHO) — A structured training programme for carers.

• The World Turned Upside Down — A resource to support understanding and communication in dementia.

• Join Dementia Research (JDR) — Helps people take part in dementia research studies and contribute to improving future care and treatment.

For information and local support and community services, visit the relevant service page:

• Barnet memory service

• Camden memory service

• Enfield memory service

• Haringey memory service

• Islington memory service

How to access this service

Barnet Memory Service

Camden Memory Service

Enfield Memory Service

Haringey Memory Service

Islington Memory Service