Dementia and memory

Memory loss can disrupt daily life and may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  Obtaining a proper diagnosis of dementia is vital as it helps to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms so that you receive the correct treatment options.  If you think that you, or someone you care for is suffering from memory loss please contact your GP to be referred for an assessment.

Camden Memory Service

Camden Memory Service provides advice and support for people who are worried about their memory. To access this service you should first speak to your GP who can refer you. After you are referred by your GP, the Camden Memory Service will phone you to talk about your concerns and treatment options.

Sometimes it can be a good idea to have a family member, friend or carer involved in the assessment. With your permission they can contact someone you trust for more information.

If dementia is diagnosed, you along with your family or carers will be given information about the condition and the range of local services that can help to meet your needs.

Getting help from Adult Social Care

If you are diagnosed with dementia and you need practical support at home or with getting out and about, contact Adult Social Care by completing the Camden Adult Social Care Referral Form.

If you are having difficulties completing the referral form, require urgent support, or are concerned about the immediate safety of a vulnerable person, please phone Contact Camden on 020 7974 4444, and when prompted, say ‘Adult Social Care’.

The assessment is a conversation with Adult Social Care to work out what care and support. arrangements you might need, based on what is important to you.

Visit About Adult Social Care to find out more about how Adult Social Care can support you.

Other help and support available

If you receive a diagnosis there are some support options available in Camden. 

Age UK Camden run a Dementia Wellbeing  and Dementia Befriending service that provides specialist support to Camden residents aged 55 and over who are in the early or moderate stages of dementia, to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged.  Age UK Camden are contactable by phone on 020 7239 0400.

Camden Carers provide support for Dementia Carers.  Support includes health and wellbeing, day events for carers and people with dementia, involvement with local policy makers and other local groups. Camden Carers Service are also contactable by phone on 020 7428 8950.

The NHS provide information About Dementia, such as  understanding some of the signs of dementia, why it is important to get a diagnosis, and what we can all do to help with the dementia challenge.

The Dementia Action Alliance aims to enable people to live well with dementia. The Camden Dementia Action Alliance brings together organisations working across the borough to develop Camden into a Dementia Friendly Community.  Organisations are free to join the Alliance and they can find out more details by  emailing Miles Maier at [email protected].

West Hampstead Community Centre are hosting a free Memory Cafe, open to people experiencing memory loss, and their friends and carers. For full details please download the flyer, phone Darshan Vora on 0203 921 1111, or email [email protected].