What is CDAMS (Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service)

West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

What is the Cognitive Dementia and Memory

Service (CDAMS)? A diagnostic clinic for people with memory

and thinking problems of all age groups Assessment at home by a specialist nurse Clinic visit to see a specialist doctor May need to see more than one…

geriatrician, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist.

Feedback meeting Provide linkages and referrals to

mainstream services.

Where can you find us? Bawbawshire through –West Gippsland

Healthcare Group : Catchment area is Bawbawshire, South

Gippsland and Bass Coast Latrobe Valley through-Latrobe Regional

Hospital : Catchment area is Latrobe , Wellingtonshire

and East Gippsland . If a client/health care professional prefers one

clinic for a valid reason this can be negotiated.

How to refer to CDAMS Ask the GP to refer – the GP will do

some preliminary testing Self referral or referral from a family

member with client’s permission Another service can refer with client’s

consent. CDAMS prefers to work with the GP

who can provide follow up or with an agency that can liaise with the GP.

Why come to CDAMS? Early diagnosis helps with planning &

quality of life There are many reasons for memory

problems Some memory problems are reversible There may be medication available to

help Diagnosis helps with understanding

changes Support and information may be available

What causes thinking problems?

Depression Delirium Some pathology problems/physical illness Multiple Sclerosis A form of Motor Neurone disease Anxiety and stress Vascular cognitive impairment Dementia

Different forms of Dementia

Alzheimer's Disease Vascular dementia Fronto-temporal dementia Alcohol related dementia Lewy Body dementia And others

Falls and Dementia When a client is accepted into the CDAMS program at

intake we ask about falls risk for all clients over 50 years old:

-Have you had a fall in the last 12 months ?-If so did this fall cause an injury ? If there have been falls and injuries (however minor )

caused then alternate referrals are suggested to client/carer i.e. physio or at LRH falls clinic.

At the initial home assessment falls risk is also discussed

Feedback provided to GP/Referrer is client is a falls risk .

Potential causes of falls…..

Dementia Polypharmacy Depression Delirium Neurological disorders Medical conditions Reduced vision and hearing Poor fitting footwear

Planning ahead Enduring Power of Attorney/Wills

Driving Assessment and planning for not driving

Accessing extra services to remain at home

Looking at respite/residential care options

And finally ……A diagnosis of Dementia can be devastating to the client and their family , so providing as much information as possible is essential to better understanding and accessing care.

Any Questions? Please contact: Audra Fenton RN/CMHN.

M.Nurs.Community Health Manager on 5625 0242 or afenton@wghg.com.au