We provide assessment, support and ongoing care for patients who are experiencing memory problems or who may be developing dementia. If you or someone close to you has concerns about memory, changes in thinking or difficulties managing everyday activities, please speak to us. Memory loss can have many causes and does not necessarily mean that someone has dementia.
Common symptoms may include forgetting recent conversations or events, difficulty finding words, problems with concentration, planning or organising, becoming confused about time or place, or changes in mood, personality or ability to manage familiar daily tasks.
Assessment for dementia and memory problems
Our assessment is tailored to the individual and may include discussion with the patient and, with their consent, a family member or carer who knows them well.
We may use the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) as part of the initial cognitive assessment. The GPCOG is a screening tool and is not, by itself, a diagnosis of dementia. We will also consider your medical history, medication, mood, physical health and any other factors that could contribute to memory problems.
Where appropriate, further investigations and blood tests will be arranged before referral to the local Memory Clinic.
Dementia reviews and ongoing support
Patients diagnosed with dementia are offered annual dementia reviews. These provide an opportunity to review memory and cognition, physical and mental health, medication, independence, safety, advance care planning and any changing support needs.
We also consider the needs of family members and unpaid carers and can signpost to appropriate health, social care and community services.
Reducing the risk of dementia
Although dementia cannot always be prevented, there are things that can help reduce the risk or delay its onset. We can support you with healthy lifestyle choices, including staying physically active, maintaining social connections, eating a balanced diet, stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, and limiting alcohol. These measures also help protect cardiovascular health. The Draft dementia strategy for Wales 2026 to 2036 identifies prevention and reducing the risk of dementia as a key priority.
Support for patients, families and carers
We recognise that dementia affects the whole family and that caring for someone with dementia can be challenging. We can provide information and signpost you to local and national support services, including Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and Carers Wales / Carers UK.
There are also local dementia cafés, activity and support groups, social care services and Memory Assessment Services across Wales. Your local council can provide information about care and support assessments.
Carers are entitled to request a carer's needs assessment if they provide unpaid care to someone. Home Care | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council