A pilot memory clinic, based at Ballina Primary Care Centre, will commence on February 4. The clinic is the first new service to be rolled out by the Community Action on Dementia in Mayo project, which was launched in September 2012.
“Our project is breaking new ground because the memory clinic is the first of its kind in the west and will bring about improvement in service affecting over 1,500 people with dementia,” says project manager Frances Maloney.
Attendees of the Memory Clinic will meet memory assessment co-ordinator, Paula Frain. She will assess individuals experiencing difficulties with their memory. She will also determine if these memory difficulties are part of the natural ageing process or if they require further investigation.
The dementia advisor service, which is run at the Ballina clinic by Fiona Hoban, is open to those who have recently received a diagnosis of dementia or are awaiting such a diagnosis. It is also open to those who have been affected by someone close to them receiving such a diagnosis.
It is envisaged that the Memory Clinic will service north Mayo in its first phase and will then be rolled out to at least three other locations. The aim of this clinic is to support and signpost those individuals dealing with dementia.
Community Action on Dementia in Mayo is supported by the HSE and Atlantic Philanthropies, through the Genio Trust and project led by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
For more information contact Frances Maloney, project manager for Community Action on Dementia-Mayo on 094 902 7761.
