Cognition Dementia & Memory Clinic (CDAMS)

The Cognition Dementia And Memory Service (CDAMS) is a specialist diagnostic service for people with suspected dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and associated symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and/or thinking problems.  Referrals are considered after other possible causes for cognitive changes have been excluded. 

CDAMS provides a comprehensive service which includes assessment and diagnosis; education, support and information around diagnosis; linking clients and their significant others to other services and supports; and information about treatments.

CDAMS is a short-term service that does not provide Case Management or Allied Health therapeutic treatment.

Referral Process

A GP or medical specialist referral is required for a CDAMS assessment.

The GP or specialist can make a referral to CDAMS by contacting our ACCESS team:

Phone: 1300 665 781
Fax: (03) 9125 5862

An ACCESS form or a medical letter will be accepted as a referral.

Categories for Appointment

	Clinical Description	Estimated Wait Time
Routine	We are not an urgent response service.	Referrals are processed in order of receipt.
Category 1/2	N/A	N/A
Emergency	This clinic is not an emergency service and cannot respond to emergency medical situations.	N/A

Eligibility Criteria

• Adults seeking a diagnosis for suspected dementia, who are experiencing cognitive changes such as short term memory loss, word finding difficulties and mild changes in ability to perform everyday tasks
• Other possible causes for cognitive changes have been excluded
• The person has not experienced delirium within the past 3 months
• Where the person is under 50 years old and there is no obvious evidence of risk factors for dementia, efforts should be made to pursue alternative more appropriate avenues of assessment as a first option
• Past clients of CDAMS where diagnosis has been unclear or have been given a diagnosis of ‘mild cognitive impairment’ and there is evidence of further cognitive decline
• People who have been diagnosed with dementia elsewhere and are requesting a second opinion
• The person provides or implies consent by being willing to participate in the necessary assessments

Exclusion Criteria

• People with a prior formal diagnosis of dementia, people who are requiring ongoing interdisciplinary intervention or therapeutic treatment; or who are under the care of a private geriatrician for dementia (unless requesting a second opinion)
• Requests for neuropsychological assessment only eg. capacity assessments
• People with acquired brain injury (ABI), intellectual disability and active disorders of alcohol or other drugs (AOD) where there is no suspicion of dementia
• People who are experiencing acute changes to their health, including delirium, mental health disorders, or potentially requiring hospitalization
• Referrals for people with a pre- existing neurological condition, should be discussed with the CDAMS Manager