DementiaRoadmap

Since the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an increase in the time people need to wait for their memory assessment appointment. This briefing published by the Dementia Change Action Network (DCAN) explores people’s experiences of waiting for a memory assessment.

Download Pre-memory assessment support project briefing

DCAN, in partnership with NHS England and Improvement, have been undertaking work to learn from the experiences of people waiting for memory assessments to hear about the challenges they are facing and the support they need during this time.

Providers of support have also been engaged to clarify and enhance visibility of the support currently available to people waiting for a memory assessment.

This briefing aims to increase awareness of the need for pre-diagnostic support to help enable people referred to memory services to live as well as possible pre-assessment and diagnosis. It sets out in detail, the work undertaken to support those waiting for a memory assessment so far, drawing on feedback from people with lived experience, providers of support and staff in memory services. It also highlights the various needs of people waiting for assessment and diagnosis, and their carers.