Clinics & services

Memory Clinic

CDAMS referral information for health professionals

We accept referrals from GPs, specialists and other health practitioners.

This service is for

This service is a specialist diagnostic clinic for people experiencing persistent and progressive changes in memory, thinking, language or behaviour, where mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia are the suspected cause.

Please review these guidelines before referring to CDAMS to ensure the referral meets eligibility criteria. Referrals with insufficient information will be returned with a request for additional information which may delay access to this service.

Age guide:

  • 50 to 80 years

For patients outside this range, consider alternative services (or contact CDAMS to discuss):

Patients must:

  • be medically stable (for example, not within 3 months of delirium, stroke or another major medical event)
  • be able to attend and participate in a 90-minute assessment
  • have had other possible causes of symptoms explored and managed (for example mood disorders, sleep issues or metabolic causes)

Patients must consent to referral and assessment with this service.

This service is not for

  • people with an existing dementia diagnosis (unless a second opinion has been discussed with CDAMS clinical staff prior to referral)
  • ongoing dementia management (consider the Austin Health Aged Care Clinic)
  • cognitive concerns primarily due to unmanaged mental health conditions
  • acute medical conditions or delirium
  • requests for neuropsychological assessment only
  • requests for capacity assessment
  • active substance misuse.

What to include in your referral

To help us assess your referral, your referral must include:

  • patient demographics and contact details
  • a nominated contact person
  • reason for referral, including onset and duration of symptoms
  • description of cognitive changes (for example memory, language, behaviour and daily function)
  • any identified risks or safety concerns
  • medical history and current medication list
  • any interpreter requirements
  • other services/ specialists involved in care, and relevant specialist consultant correspondence. 

Required investigations (within past 12 months)

These investigations must be completed and attached to the referral before it can be accepted:

  • Pathology: FBE, U&E, ESR, Vit B12 & Folate, LFT, TSH, RBG, Ca+
  • Pathology (if available): Chol, Syphilis serology, HIV status
  • Radiology: CT or MRI brain (with report)
  • Other: ECG (if available)

 

Contact the Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service

Clinic enquiries and appointments

Phone: 03 9496 2596

Email: memory@austin.org.au

Referrals

Phone: 03 9496 2211

Email: hipcentralintake@austin.org.au

Contact hours

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm (excluding public holidays)