Clinic

Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)

Location

Clinical Centre
RMH Royal Park Campus

Service Description

CDAMS is a multidisciplinary service with the objectives to: (i) provide early diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia, 
(ii) provide information about diagnosis to the patient, carers and family, and
(iii) facilitate the integration of services for individuals and their families.

The primary target group is those with a possible diagnosis of a dementia related illness, in the early stages of the condition.

Patients must satisfy the following criteria:

• Anyone experiencing cognitive impairment (confusion, slowness in thinking and concentration, change in behaviour) and memory loss who do not have a diagnosis
  
• Must require a multidisciplinary assessment
  
• Usually over the age of 50, but younger people can be referred if the presentation is one of a dementia related illness

Those with a previous diagnosis seeking medication or second opinion may also be seen.

All patients referred to the service will undergo a medical assessment in the clinic, at which time a carer or family member are interviewed to determine a collaborative history and also provide education and counselling.  Some patients may require further assessment by neuropsychology or speech pathology. Feedback of the assessment and management plan are discussed at a family meeting.   Some patients may require a home visit which will be performed by the nurse or occupational therapist from the clinic.

Consultants

Dr Dina LoGiudice
Prof David Ames
Dr Mary Davison
Dr Jacqui Gilbert

Neuropsychologists:
Anne Unkenstein, Deb Leighton & Emilie Tijs

Occupational Therapist: VeeLyn Tan

Nurse Consultant: Aileen Kalogeropoulos

Speech Pathologist: Margaret Pozzebon

Social Worker: Sylvia Sully

Urgent referrals

For those who have experienced a recent rapid decline in cognition of function referral to an acute service is required to exclude urgent medical illness. Those with primary psychiatric illness should be referred to appropriate services.

Routine referrals

Assessment/investigation recommended before referral

To discuss with a CDAMS team  member please call 8387 2427 

FBE, E&Us, LFTs, Calcium, Thyroid function, B12, folate. CT brain, ECG.

Referral Process

All new referrals  must include:

• Name, age, DOB, Address, contact numbers
• Contact numbers of carers or next of kin (phone and address if possible). The assessment process includes interview with primary carer to obtain information, but also to provide education and counselling.
• Preferred language and if interpreter is required.
• Copy of recent investigations as listed above.
• Copy of recent medications
• Relevant information regarding presentation of illness, including a medical, psychiatric and social profile and any potential risks to the client and workers.
• All referrals will be triaged and redirection to more appropriate services may be required in some situations after discussion with initial referrer and patient and /or carer.

How to Refer

Via Direct Access Unit

Phone: 8387 2333
Fax: 8387 2217