04.07.13
Memory clinic launched to cut anxiety
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester is running a new memory drop-in clinic, the first to be held by a specialist cancer trust.
The clinic is run on an informal basis and helps patients and carers with anxiety, memory problems and the side-effects of cancer treatment. It is led by occupational therapist Jonathan Parker, a dementia nurse and the complementary therapy team, who can suggest specific techniques to improve memory and, if necessary, direct people on to follow-up services.
Parker said: “It’s widely documented that we live in an ageing population, with an increase in dementia. But what a lot of people don’t realise is that often memory problems are linked to severe stress, anxiety and also cancer – not just dementia. In fact, the biggest cause of memory loss in people over the age of 65 is stress or anxiety. This is often linked to depression at a time of change or worry in their lives – for example retirement where the person may feel they have lost definition of their role. And, any additional fears about dementia also increase anxiety and then exacerbate memory problems.
“We are not a diagnostic service, but what we will do is direct the person on to further services when we feel there may be underlying or mental health issues.
“Where memory impairment is linked to chemotherapy for brain patients – which can cause ‘chemo fog ‘ – patients are often relieved that we can reassure them that other people face the same concerns and that the side-effects normally wear off within a year or two.”
Caroline Shaw, chief executive of The Christie, added: “This service is typical of our holistic approach where we treat patients the way we would also want to be treated – as individuals with specific needs which have an impact on health, recovery and relationships.”
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