Cognitive Dementia & Memory Service (CDAMS)Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS)
A specialist diagnostic service for people who are concerned about memory loss or changes to thinking (cognition).
The Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Serivce (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 the condition,
understand the changes as they occur and to cope with the day to day issues of cognitive impairment.
Forgetfulness and Normal Ageing
As part of the ageing process some people may notice 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, they include:
- Anxiety/Stress
- Depression
- Dementia of any type, including Alzheimer's Disease
- Stroke
- Other Neurological Disorders such as 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 frequently or regularly eg. wallet, keys
- Forgetting appointments, birthdays, social commitments
- Becoming lost while driving
- Regular problems finding words during conversation
- Difficulties learning new skills
- Reduced ability in doing well known tasks eg. bill paying, cooking
- Behavioural or personality change
- Feeling overwhelmed or confused by new situations
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
- Directions 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
What is Involved in a CDAMS Assessment?
A CDAMS assessment will include prior medical consultation with the treating General Practitioner. Where possible an initial home visit will be made and a subsequent specialist assessment will be conducted by a Neuropsychologist. The outcome of these consultations and recommendations will be discussed with the client, and if agreed to, with their family and general practitioner.
Target Group
- Persons who are experiencing changes to their memory and thinking, and their families or carers
- Persons whose diagnosis regarding cognitive change is uncertain
Referral
- All referrals are made by the treating General Practitioner
- Persons referred to CDAMS are required to undergo a number of preliminary medical investigations prior to acceptance by the Service. This is done in order to exclude any possible reversible causes for change in cognition, and to assist with the diagnositc process
Geographic Area
- Hume Region
- Clinics in Wangaratta, Shepparton, Seymour
 Cognitive Impairment Identifier Program Information Brochure | type: pdf | size: 60 kB |