Specialist Memory Services
Our Vision
To provide a superior level of diagnostic evaluation, evidence-based treatment and support to patients experiencing cognitive changes or dementia, using a unique team-based approach that treats our patients with the care and compassion they deserve.
Services provided at SMS
Comprehensive initial assessment involving specialist medical, allied health and nursing
Expert imaging and investigation review using the latest diagnostic techniques
Collaborative multidisciplinary case discussions and care planning
Ongoing specialist review
1:1 dementia education
Carer support sessions
Assistance with future planning
Diagnostic Assessments
Capacity Assessments
Medico-legal Assessments
Functional & home assessments
Advice on safety, accessibility and falls prevention in cognitive impairment and dementia
Environmental strategies to compensate for cognitive changes
Other dementia-related OT interventions with both the patient and carer
Relevant health assessments
Liaison and referrals to support services
Medication management advice
Continence support
Behaviour support
Supportive cognitive specific psychotherapy for:
• Individuals diagnosed with dementia and mild cognitive impairment
• Individuals with anxiety worried they may be developing dementia
• Caregivers to support emotional needs and maintain their own wellbeing
Using evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
The SMS Difference
RAPID DIAGNOSIS
Timely, expert diagnosis using a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach.
We have extensive experience in a range of common and rare dementia syndromes, expertise in imaging and access to current and emerging technologies for diagnosis and treatment.
EXPERT MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE
We provide comprehensive diagnosis, careful surveillance and attentive ongoing management.
SMS staff have links with tertiary hospitals and research institutes and ensure all patients have access to first-class treatment and care.
SMS provides expert multidisciplinary management of patients with a new diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia as well as those with an existing diagnosis.
PROACTIVE APPROACH
We understand that dementia care requires more than a medical focus and our collaborative, multidisciplinary team supports patients through diagnosis and beyond.
Our individualized treatment plans include dementia risk-reduction, symptom management, lifestyle measures, practical ideas and assistance with future planning.
COMPASSIONATE, PERSON-CENTRED SUPPORT
We place each patient’s individual goals and priorities at the center of all our services and provide expert care using a sensitive and compassionate approach.
COLLABORATIVE INTERACTIONS
We understand that patient care is carried in partnership with the patients’ general practitioners and other referring specialists. We provide clear communication at all times.
Further Information
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single cause of dementia. Dementia is a general term that describes the symptoms seen in a number of conditions affecting the brain, such as decline in memory and thinking skills. We outline the most common causes of dementia here
Early diagnosis can have a number of benefits:
- Diagnosis provides access to dementia treatments. Although there is currently no cure for most types of dementia there are medications that assist with some of the symptoms, and these can only be prescribed when a formal diagnosis has been made. There is the opportunity to access trial therapies.
- Early diagnosis gives the person with dementia an opportunity to plan for their future while they are still able to make decisions about how they wish to spend the years ahead, their care and support preferences, and time to address financial and legal matters.
- Early diagnosis enables access to the services, resources and community supports available for people with dementia, such as education and support groups, as well as health and lifestyle initiatives to slow the progression of the condition.
- Family members and friends can benefit from early diagnosis as it gives them the opportunity to learn about the condition and how to best support their loved one.
- Although it is upsetting to find out that the cause of cognitive changes is dementia, receiving a diagnosis can provide answers, relieve some fear and uncertainty, and enable the person and their family to develop a pathway forward.
As an expert multidisciplinary service, SMS focuses on more than medical management of dementia and cognitive impairment. In addition to diagnosis and treatment, we can provide practical and safety advice, assist patients with accessing community services, provide carer support and education about dementia. SMS staff have extensive experience in a range of common and rare dementia syndromes and their management.
Minor thinking changes can occur as a person gets older, such as being a little slower to bring things to mind or finding it harder to multi-task. These changes are subtle and do not interfere greatly with daily life.
Significant changes in memory or thinking are not a normal part of aging. Loss of memory or change in behaviour and/or thinking skills that is severe enough to interfere with daily life should be investigated.
Changes often emerge gradually and it can be hard to know whether to be concerned. If you are unsure about the changes you have noticed, consider seeing your GP to determine whether further investigation is indicated.
Dementia is a general term that describes the symptoms seen in a number of conditions affecting the brain, such as decline in memory and thinking skills. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific condition that causes dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. We describe Alzheimer’s disease in more detail here.
