Memory clinics

Abstract

Memory clinics were first described in the 1980s. They have become accepted worldwide as useful vehicles for improving practice in the identification, investigation, and treatment of memory disorders, including dementia. They are provided in various settings, the setting determining clientele and practice. All aim to facilitate referral from GPs, other specialists, or by self referral, in the early stages of impairment, and to avoid the stigma associated with psychiatric services. They bring together professionals with a range of skills for the benefit of patients, carers, and colleagues, and contribute to health promotion, health education, audit, and research, as well as service to patients.

Enterobacter sakazakii bacteraemia with multiple splenic abscesses in a 75-year-old woman: a case report

“…Enterobacter sakazakii bacteraemia with multiple splenic abscesses in a 75-year-old woman: a case report SIR-We read with interest the report of Enterobacter sakazakii bacteraemia in a 75-year-old woman, who presented with tachypnoeia, a left-sided pleural effusion and splenic abscess [1]. We previously reported the identification of E. sakazakii in the mouths of 7 of 203 acute stroke patients [2]. In four of our seven patients, an abnormal swallow was present on admission and two of these patients subsequently developed a pneumonia on day six and fourteen post stroke, respectively.…”

“…Despite this, stroke experts seem to be focussing on stroke as an emergency, hyper-acute care, and the delivery of thrombolysis to a very small minority of the 110,000 stroke population in England believing that this leads to better outcomes and saves resources [2]. Similarly, a House of Commons debate about stroke services on 11 July 2007 produced a suggestion from one party that resources should be diverted from rehabilitation towards thrombolysis and hyper-acute stroke services.…”

Clinical and Scientific Challenges to Multispecialty Team Care

“…Memory clinics have been set up, but similar as with Parkinson's disease, these clinics operate in various settings and include a diverse range of different professions [14]. Promising results on behavioral and psychosocial symptoms have been shown for collaborative primary dementia care involving an advanced practice nurse working together with families with dementia [15].…”

General practitioner referrals to memory clinics: are referral criteria delaying the diagnosis of dementia?

“…The traditional aims of memory clinics have been 3 diagnosis and treatment of dementia, identification and management of other disorders that may contribute to memory problems, research, including evaluation of treatments, and reassurance; a key focus now is on clarification of dementia diagnosis or subtype diagnosis, as well as access to therapies and social support. The usual UK model is a specialist-led service, often associated with psychogeriatric services, requiring a referral by a general practitioner to access.…”