Memory matters

August 18, 2021

Have you got a patient on your ward or area that is over 75 years old? If yes are you asking them about their memory? NICE Guidelines recommends that people aged 75 and over should have an assessment that determines there cognitive function. As a Trust we want to ensure that all our patients are being supported and have the correct treatment pathways available to them.

Why is this important?

If there is a cognitive impairment detected, colleagues can carry out a memory screening test on Unity called the Abbreviated memory test score (AMTS). This is ten questions that are used for rapidly assessing elderly patients for the possibility of dementia.

Please see the dementia flowchart of how to ensure this crucial question is being asked and how to record this on Unity, ensuring the correct memory screening tool is being used.