Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Dementia Pre Diagnosis

 

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Introduction

We’re sorry to hear that you’re going through a difficult time. This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that others have found helpful.

If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via our online form.

dementia

 

Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

No Need for a referral, contact us directly to see if we can support you

  • Support with finances
  • Getting Active
  • Hobbies and Interests
  • Connecting to Community
  • Supporting wellbeing
 

Why investigate/ Diagnose? 

A diagnosis of Memory loss can mean that the individual and their carers can better prepare for the future. There will be better management of the condition and access to specialist resources once a diagnosis is made. There may be financial benefits that can be applied for and legal administration to have in place to safeguard the individual and their assets.    

 

Route to diagnosis

If there is doubt about a person’s memory or cognition, then a visit to the GP should be the first step to rule out any other causes. The GP can conduct some tests (blood, urine and memory tests) They will ask questions about how everyday tasks are managed and discuss any concerns an individual or their family/ friends may have. A support person can be present to assist the patient to understand the appointment and help to answer any questions.

The GP will then determine if a referral to the Memory Assessment Service is appropriate. The specialists in the Memory Assessment Service can conduct further tests to diagnose the memory impairment and can explain the outcomes and the next steps in detail. 

Once a referral to the Memory Assessment Service is made the patient can be supported by the “Dementia co-ordinator service” ran by the organisation “Help and Care”. They have separate teams for Pre- diagnosis and post-diagnosis, to support individuals and their Carers in understanding the process of the assessment service and signpost to community support. 

To refer yourself into the Dementia Co-Ordinator service, you can call 0300 123 1916.

Dementia Coordinator Service

Telephone: 0300 123 1916

 

Online Support

There can be a wait for appointments and it’s important that individuals feel supported and informed throughout the process. The Next Steps website offers a step-by-step guide from initial referral by the GP onwards throughout the journey to a diagnosis. Giving support on well-being, services available and what to expect post diagnosis.

For a comprehensive guide on the memory assessment service and further information on Dementia and support offered by Dorset Health Care, please visit here.

Next Steps

Website: www.nextsteps.org.uk

Dorset Healthcare

Website: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk

 

Helplines

Both the Alzheimer’s society and Dementia UK have trained individuals on hand to answer questions and queries. 

Alzheimer’s Society

Telephone: 03331503456

Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Helpline

Telephone: 08008886678

Please see resource sheet “Dementia Post-Diagnosis” for further information and guidance.

 

Further Information

While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.

If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: July 2025.