Cognitive Decline & Memory Service Clinic
Memory and thinking problems
The Cognitive Decline & Memory Service (CDAMS) can provide detailed assessment, a diagnosis or explanation of memory and thinking problems that are causing you or your family concern. . Information, advice and referral on to other services is provided for any ongoing treatment or support needs.
What we do
The CDAMS assessment will include medical and allied health consultations.
The team comprises:
- Geriatrician
- Neurologist
- Psychiatrist
- Neuropsychologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Social Worker
- Community Nurse
The initial CDAMS assessment may be in your own home with our Occupational Therapist, Social Worker or Community Nurse. Alternatively this assessment can take place in the clinic if you prefer.
Further assessment will be in the clinic with one of our medical specialists, including our geriatrician, neurologist or psychiatrist. Investigations such as blood tests and brain scans will be arranged if needed.
Some people may also need to see our neuropsychologist in the clinic.
After the assessment has been completed, we hold a meeting with you to discuss the results, diagnosis and any recommendations for treatment and management. Families are encouraged to attend with you.
If ongoing treatment is required then we will provide advice and arrange referrals for you.
Who we care for
We care for people of any age, however the clinic is mainly focused on memory problems which are associated with ageing.
Clients must live in the cities of:
- Stonnington
- Port Philip
- Glen Eira
What to expect
Once a referral has been received you will be contacted to arrange an initial appointment with one of our allied health staff who will also become your care coordinator.
They will then be available to assist you with queries and support during your time with us and will work with you and your family to arrange any ongoing supports and referrals that may be needed once you leave our service.
Commonly asked questions
Is there a cost?
There is no cost to attend CDAMS.
With your approval, some medical appointments may be bulk billed through Medicare at no additional cost to you.
How long does an assessment take?
The length of assessment will vary depending on the complexity of your problem.
You will usually have 3 or 4 appointments which are generally each of around 1 ½ to 2 hours long.
Once assessment and diagnosis is completed we will refer you on to other appropriate services for any ongoing treatment or management if this is required.
How to access this clinic
Contact us directly
Caulfield Access is responsible for intake, information and referral processing for a wide range of community and ambulatory services.
Family, carers, case managers and patients can contact Caulfield Access to access our services.
Once a referral has been received, a Care Coordinator will phone the patient to discuss their needs and organise appropriate services. The Care Coordinator will provide the patient with their phone number. Patients are encouraged to contact the Care Coordinator if they have any concerns.
To make a referral
Call the Caulfield Access Unit on (03) 9076 6776
What to bring
Every time you come
- Medicare card
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed
For a clinic appointment
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
Clinic times
| Day | Campus | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Caulfield Hospital | 8.30am - 5.00pm |
| Wednesday | Caulfield Hospital | 8.30am - 5.00pm |
Clinic consultants
- Dr Renata Lemke: Geriatric Medicine
- Dr Olivia Gobbo: Geriatric Medicine
- Dr Helene Roberts: Neurology
- Dr Trevor Chong: Neurology
- Dr Christine Kotsios: Aged Psychiatry