Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDMS)

The Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) is a specialist diagnostic service for people over the age of 50 who are worried about memory loss or changes in their thinking.    

We accept new referrals from medical and health professionals, family members, and individuals.  The service is free. 


Our Team

The CDAMS team includes:

  • Geriatrician
  • Psychogeriatrician
  • Neuropsychiatrist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Clinical Nurse Coordinator
  • Keyworkers (with backgrounds such as Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses and Neuropsychologists)

Our Services

  • A thorough and sensitive assessment 
  • Expert clinical diagnosis
  • Information on appropriate treatment options
  • Post diagnosis education, support and future planning advice with Keyworker
  • Links for clients or their family to other service providers and community supports
  • Care that responds to the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, using interpreters when appropriate

Referral Information

Referral/Eligibility Criteria

  • All new clients must agree to engage in the assessment process, which involves a minimum of 3 visits each of 90 minutes duration before an assessment for diagnosis can be concluded
  • People of any age can be referred to CDAMS, but it is typically for the assessment of memory and thinking changes associated with ageing 
  • Primary reason for referral must be for diagnosis, and not for carer stress, functional issues or abuse
  • Clients with an existing diagnosis (e.g., Alzheimer’s dementia, stroke, head injury) are generally not eligible unless a specialist second opinion is requested
  • Referrals for single service only is not accepted e.g. Neuropsychology Assessment for the determination of competence or cognitive strategies only
  • Clients must live in the Cities of Boroondara, Yarra or Darebin
  • Appropriateness is determined at triage
  • Clients assessed as having high care needs are ineligible regardless of living setting
  • Client must be medically stable
  • Client needs to be able to travel and attend clinic
  • CDAMS does not provide case management

Referral Forms and Guidelines

Please send completed referral form to HIP Central Intake via email - hipcentralreferrals@svha.org.au

Our Location

The clinic is based at St George’s Health Service (283 Cotham Road, Kew, 3101). It is serviced by trams and buses.

 

Clinic Times

  • Thursday mornings

Useful Links

•    Dementia Australia
•    My Aged Care


Contact Us

St George’s Hospital Specialist Clinics – CDAMS 
Tel:  (03) 9231 8577    
Fax: (03) 9231 2202