The CDAMS team offers diagnosis, treatment and services for people with cognitive, dementia and memory-related illnesses and issues.

What do we do?

The Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) is a specialist diagnostic service for people experiencing memory loss or changes to their thinking, and for those who care for them.

The CDAMS team offers expert clinical diagnosis, appropriate treatments, education, information about support services and direction in future planning.

What can you expect?

The CDAMS team will carry out an initial assessment, which will be followed by a clinic appointment with a Geriatrician. Further assessment and follow up may then be required.

Early diagnosis is important – this helps to better understand the condition and to consider appropriate treatment options. Early diagnosis also assists with planning for the future.

How can you access this service?

Referral Information

If you have concerns about your memory, please consult with your GP, who may then refer to CDAMS if appropriate.

What do we do?

The Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) is a specialist diagnostic service for people experiencing memory loss or changes to their thinking, and for those who care for them.

The CDAMS team offers expert clinical diagnosis, appropriate treatments, education, information about support services and direction in future planning.

What is required and how to proceed?

Referrals are made by the client's GP.

The BHS Smart referral template can be used for CDAMS referrals or you may choose to address your referral to CDAMS.

These should be sent to Central Intake Referrals CentralIntakeReferrals@gh.org.au or by fax 03 5320 3893.

The Referral needs to include:

  1. Medical History Summary
  2. Current Medication List
  3. Hard copy of the Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE)
  4. Clock Drawing Test (CDT)
  5. Full blood count (FBC)
  6. Urea and electrolytes (U&E)
  7. Liver function test (LFT)
  8. Calcium
  9. Thyroid function tests
  10. Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels
  11. CT scan of brain without contrast

PLEASE NOTE:  The investigations should all be within 12 months of the referral.

 

The referral process

  1. Referral received by Grampians Health Central Intake
  2. Completed Referral Triaged by a Clinician
  3. If accepted a letter will be sent to the client and their GP
  4. If declined a letter will be sent to their GP
  5. Assess immediate needs and put supports in place
  6. Clients are waitlisted for Baseline Assessment and followed by a Clinic appointment.
  7. A copy of the Clinic Letters will be faxed to the referrer/GP

Our aim is that the client is contacted by our CDAMS nurse with 4 weeks, the client is not required to contact CDAMS to make an appointment.

The assessment, treatment and support process

A copy of Assessment’s and Clinic Letters will be faxed to the referrer/GP.

Further referrals maybe made for a Neuropsychological Assessment, MRI, Occupational Therapy, Driving Assessments, ACAS, Dementia Australia and more

Additional information can be accessed in the Diagnostic Pathway for the Assessment & Management of Dementia available at: https://www.dementiapathways.com.au/gp-assessment-and-management/

Ballarat CDAMS Clinic

Location

102 Ascot Street South
Ballarat VIC 3350

Phone

(03) 5320 3704

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Fax

(03) 5320 6612

Email

CDAMSAdmin@gh.org.au

Horsham CDAMS Clinic

Location

Community Rehabilitation Centre via Arapiles Reception
83 Baillie Street
Horsham VIC 3400

Phone

03 5381 9333

Have something to tell us? We welcome all feedback from patients, family members or carers. Tell us more.