Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service
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Our specialists in the Cognitive Dementia & Memory Service (CDAMS) assess and provide advice for people who have thinking and memory problems.
Mild slowing in memory and thinking can be a normal part of the ageing process for some people but if it affects your everyday life or has happened quickly, it can be beneficial to see a health professional.
What we do
There are a range of health professionals from different disciplines in the Cognitive Dementia & Memory Service (CDAMS). These staff members will help diagnose problems and provide support for you if you have seen changes in your thinking, behaviour or memory. The service will also provide support for your family and carers.
You will be asked to come to your first appointment at the clinic with your carer, next of kin or a family member. At this appointment you will meet the CDAMS doctor who will complete an assessment with you and your carer or family member. The doctor will ask questions about your health, your thinking and memory, the types of medications you are taking and how you are managing day-to-day activities.
A review appointment may be arranged at that time and the doctor may recommend that you and your carer meet other members of the CDAMS team. The CDAMS team may arrange for a meeting with your family to discuss their findings and their plan for your care.
Who can use our services
Anyone over 50 years of age who is experiencing changes in their memory or thinking. Generally people who are eligible for this service live in the local government areas of Melbourne, Moonee Valley and Moreland, although we may accept referrals from other areas after discussion.
How to access this service
We accept referrals from any source including GPs, family, carers and case managers.
You can also refer yourself to the service by contacting the Direct Access Unit.
If your GP refers you, they will fax your referral to the hospital. Once we receive the referral, we will send you a letter.
If there is a waiting list, you'll be advised what to do in your letter.
Keep a copy of your referral, so you can easily ask your GP to renew your referral if you need to.
What to bring
Every time you come to hospital
Every time you come to hospital for a test, day procedure, surgery or treatment, you should bring:
- Medicare card
- Health Care card (if you have one)
- Concession card (if you have one)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription
- X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results you have which are related to your procedure
- Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
- Aids (glasses, hearing aid, walking frame)
For residential aged care
Ask your family or carers to bring:
- Activities that you enjoy such as newspapers, crosswords and headphones
- Clothes, shoes and toiletries to be used while you are in hospital, as it is nice to have familiar items around you
Do not bring (for overnight or longer stay)
And if you're staying overnight, do not bring:
Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash. Just bring a small amount for items such as newspapers, magazines or coffee
- Valuables, such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
In a medical emergency, call 000. If you are feeling unwell, see your local GP or go to your local hospital Emergency department for help.