Local Age UK sets up new clinic to help tackle undiagnosed dementia in Brighton

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (WSBH) has set up a new dementia clinic in Brighton, to support people who are worried about memory loss or dementia.

The clinic officially opened on February 13th, and the charity is calling for anyone concerned they or a loved one might have dementia to get in touch. Problems with memory, ability to follow conversations or personality changes can all be indications of dementia.

There are currently just under a million people living with the condition in the UK, but more than a third are undiagnosed, so aren’t accessing the information, advice or treatment they need. Those contacting the new dementia clinic will be able to find out about the range of support on offer locally, what to expect when seeking a diagnosis or access practical help like dementia assessments, financial advice or care at home.

The charity will assess each individual’s personal circumstances and support them accordingly. They might be living alone, seeking dementia assessment via the NHS and need help accessing disability benefits, or perhaps they are fortunate to have close family support and want to take a paid for assessment route.

For those seeking a diagnosis, Age UK WSBH offers a new dementia assessment option within the clinic. This is a paid-for service within the charity, but unlike other healthcare models it aims only to cover its costs, rather than make a profit. It is designed to provide a high-quality assessment and will help people be seen promptly by experts, at the lowest possible price.

Developed in partnership with Here, a not-for-profit social enterprise, the service provides clinical diagnosis from Here, while Age UK would provide personalised one-to-one support throughout.

Helen Rice, CEO at Age UK WSBH said “The number of people with dementia is rising and a huge pool of people are undiagnosed. Our new dementia clinic aims to help tackle this and be there for anyone worried about memory loss in Brighton and the surrounding areas. We’re already dementia experts, offering a range of support and respite services locally. The new clinic is building on that, helping people with memory loss, no matter their circumstances. Facing a diagnosis can be frightening, so we want people to know they can turn to us, alongside their GP, if they are worried. You don’t have to face it alone.”

The progression of dementia symptoms can be slowed with early intervention, so prompt diagnosis and support for those living with the condition is key. The new dementia clinic can also support the family members, friends or carers of those with memory loss.

For further information: 

Call Age UK WSBH on 01903 792015

Email dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk

Or drop into the Age UK WSBH hub at: 
95 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE (open 9.30am – 4pm weekdays).