The Memory Team

We are a multi-disciplinary team led by Dr Cherry Shute and Dr Biju Mohammed. Our team is comprised of admin support, community liaison nurses, dietitians, doctors, memory link workers, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech and language therapists who all aim to provide the following:   

• Timely identification of dementia and other cognitive disorders 
• Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis 
• Advice and support for patients and their caregivers, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias 
• Work with other agencies and service providers to support individuals to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible 
• Best use of drug and non-drug treatments and evidence-based management 

Who we support 

We support adults within Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan who are experiencing changes to their memory and a dementia or cognitive impairment is suspected. 

We are able to provide an interpreter to help patients communicate with us if English is not their first language and we can adapt our assessments to meet different needs.  

About cognitive impairment and dementia 

Mild cognitive impairment is a cognitive impairment that does not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for dementia, for example because only 1 cognitive domain is affected or deficits do not significantly affect activities of daily living (ADLs). 

50% of people with mild cognitive impairment subsequently develop dementia. 

Dementia is progressive impairment in at least 2 cognitive domains (memory, language, behaviour, or visuospatial or executive function) leading to significant functional decline (enough to affect ADLs) that cannot be explained by another disorder or adverse effects of medication. 

 What will happen at a memory clinic appointment? 

The appointment will usually last between 45 minutes to an hour. 

It is helpful for the person to bring the following to an appointment:

• A friend or relative who could help answer any questions about their history and support them during the appointment 
• A list of any regular medications
• Hearing aids 
• Glasses if you usually wear them
• An interpreter if required (please make us aware if one is needed prior to the appointment so we can book one)

To help us understand the difficulties the person is experiencing, during the appointment, the following is likely to happen:

• The person will be asked questions about their background, family history, medical history, education and employment as well as their current levels of functioning
• Cognitive testing will be completed
• Results from recent tests such as blood and brain scans may be discussed
• If possible during the appointment a likely diagnosis will be discussed and information related to the diagnosis and follow-up support will be provided as appropriate
• Other types of tests or scans may be required during or after the appointment to check for underlying medical problems or further investigate a diagnosis
• If further referrals to other professionals such as speech and language therapy or psychology, or other tests are required, the person and their family, with permission, will be kept informed by the team of appointments and findings

The findings of the Memory Clinic appointments will be communicated to the person’s GP. 

Post diagnostic support 

• Advice about memory problems and how to minimise them will be given during the clinic appointment. Discussions about medications, legal and financial issues, driving, local support and participation in research may also be topics covered during the appointment as appropriate. Written information will also be provided as required. 
• For people diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) they may be offered the opportunity to attend the Memory Strategies Group or provided with a workbook to complete independently. 
• For people diagnosed with a type of dementia, they will be allocated to the Memory Link Worker for their area and will be contacted in the weeks following the clinic appointment to arrange a follow-up visit at home. The Memory Link Worker will remain in contact on at least a 6-monthly basis moving forward. The person and their family will have access to any member of the MDT required at any point in the future. 

If anybody referring to the Memory Team, a person who is being seen by the Memory Team or a member of their family or their carer has any questions or concerns they are encouraged to contact us on the phone or via email.  

Our contact information

Telephone: 029 2071 6961 

Email: memory.team@wales.nhs.uk

Address: 3rd Floor, Academic Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Penlan Road, CF64 2XX

Referral information for medical professionals

GPs can make e-referrals via WCP.

We are currently in the process of updating our other referral processes and anyone who cannot refer via WCP is encouraged to contact us via our email address memory.team@wales.nhs.uk.

If the person you are referring requires an interpreter, please ensure the need for an interpreter and the language required is included in the referral.