Subacute Care Home <

Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)

What is CDAMS | Forgetfulness and Normal Aging | What Causes Memory Loss or Changes to Thinking? | What is Involved in a CDAMS Assessment? | Where Is CDAMS Located?

What Is CDAMS?

CDAMS is a specialist diagnostic clinic which aims to assist people with memory loss, or changes to their thinking, and those who support them. CDAMS provides:

• Expert clinical diagnosis
• Information on appropriate treatments
• Education, support and information
• Direction in planning for the future
• Information on dealing with day to day issues.
• Linkages for clients or their family to other service providers or community supports

The Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) was developed by the Victorian Government in recognition of the need to provide a specialist multidisciplinary diagnostic, referral and educational service for people experiencing memory loss, or changes to their thinking, and for those who care about them.

Early diagnosis is important to determine appropriate treatment needs and to plan for the future. It provides people with a timely opportunity to learn about their condition, understand changes as they occur and to cope with day to day issues of cognitive impairment. Anyone experiencing changes to their memory and thinking, or those who support them, are welcome to contact CDAMS. Referrals can be made through general practitioners, community agencies or by self referral directly to CDAMS.

Forgetfulness and Normal Ageing

As part of the ageing process some people may notice some mild slowing in their memory and thinking. This is normal. If, however, the changes become progressively more obvious and begin to impact on everyday life, an assessment of memory and thinking would be appropriate.

What Causes Memory Loss or Changes to Thinking?

There are many causes of cognitive impairment and memory loss, including:

• Depression, anxiety/stress
• Dementia – any type eg Alzheimer’s Disease
• Neurological disorders such as Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Alcohol
• Side effects of medication
• Vitamin deficiency

Accurate diagnosis is vital so that appropriate treatments and information can be recommended. Symptoms of memory loss and changes in thinking can include:

• Rapid forgetting
• Repeated questions or conversations
• Losing items e.g. wallet, keys
• Forgetting appointments, birthdays, social commitments.
• Becoming lost while driving
• Problems finding words during conversations
• Difficulties learning new skills
• Reduced ability in doing well known tasks e.g. bill paying, cooking
• Behavioural or personality change
• Feeling overwhelmed or confused by new situations

What is Involved in a CDAMS Assessment?

A CDAMS assessment will include medical and allied health consultations, and may include a visit to your home. Where appropriate, other specialist assessments will be conducted e.g. neuropsychology. The outcome of these consultations and recommendations will be discussed with the client, and if agreed to, with their family and general practitioner. CDAMS Specialists may include:

• Geriatrician/Neurologist
• Psychogeriatrician
• Neuropsychologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Social Worker/Family Therapist
• Community Nurse

Where Is CDAMS Located?

^ Top