I work as part of the Neuropsychology Team in the Pan Dorset Memory Assessment Service. My interest in working with people with dementia started as an Assistant Psychologist in the Somerset Memory Assessment Service in 2004. On qualifying in 2008 I worked as part of an Older People’s Psychology Service within Dorset with a special interest in neuropsychology and dementia assessment. I joined the Pan Dorset MAS in 2022 to focus my clinical work on dementia assessment. I lead the team MCI post diagnostic group and I am interested in psychoeducational community work to reduce individuals risk of developing dementia.
I have worked in the Memory Assessment Service since 2012.
In that time I have had the privilege of being the Team Leader and Service Lead. One of the the most interesting times whilst I was Service Lead was the Dorset Wide Dementia Service Review. This was a truly collaborative piece of work and involved all stakeholders.
I retired from this role and am now working as a Bank Nurse supporting the team with the MCI group and other initiatives. This gives me lots of time to be a devoted grandmother and enjoy the our time doing fun stuff!
I have worked in the Memory Assessment Service since 2012.
In that time I have had the privilege of being the Team Leader and Service Lead. One of the the most interesting times whilst I was Service Lead was the Dorset Wide Dementia Service Review. This was a truly collaborative piece of work and involved all stakeholders.
I retired from this role and am now working as a Bank Nurse supporting the team with the MCI group and other initiatives. This gives me lots of time to be a devoted grandmother and enjoy the our time doing fun stuff!
Summary
We developed a Pan Dorset Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) psychoeducational and support group for individuals diagnosed with an MCI following assessment with the Memory Assessment Service. The group aims to increase awareness of MCI and to support individuals in making positive lifestyle and behavioural changes to help reduce their risk of developing a dementia.
The group is not funded so we will discuss how this was managed in a busy Service.
The group was initially 2 hours one day a week for 3 weeks and following an evaluation with information from the participants we have now changed this to a 5 week session.
The group is supported by the a local Community charity who attend on one of the sessions to inform people of the local support services.
We are also supported by Bournemouth University who attend the group to support and deliver the diet and nutrition aspect of the session.
