About Us
We are a multi-disciplinary clinic with expertise in cognitive disorders including dementia. We provide a superior level of diagnostic evaluation and management for anyone with concerns about cognitive change, memory loss or dementia. We focus on the functional impact of cognitive symptoms and manage disease progression over time.
Our team includes a Neurologist, Geriatrician, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Occupational Therapist and Nursing staff, all with extensive experience and expertise in dementia and related conditions. We comprise a highly motivated team of medical professionals with a shared aim to deliver a unique and first-class cognitive service providing the latest evidence-based treatment practices.
We are conveniently located at 1/935 Station Street Box Hill, with good links to public transport and the Eastern Freeway. There is ample street parking.
Background
With extensive experience in dementia diagnosis across a range of services, SMS staff are aware that too often there is a delay to diagnosis or misdiagnosis of dementia, a fragmented approach to management, and a lack of support for patients and loved ones.
SMS was formed to address these issues and offers a new option for patients experiencing dementia or cognitive decline. SMS extends beyond a medical model of dementia care to provide individualized treatment, support and practical advice for both the patient and their family. We work with patients beyond their diagnosis and throughout the course of the condition using a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach.
About our Team
Dr Chris Kyndt
Cognitive Neurologist
Dr James Bice
Consultant Geriatrician
Laine Bradley
Cognitive Occupational Therapist
Dr Robert Bourke
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Jonalyn Bice
Registered Nurse
SMS Expertise
After qualifying from medical school, doctors in Australia can complete 4 years of general physician training under the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. They then select a further sub-specialty such as neurology or geriatric medicine which involves 3 further years of supervised formal training.
A neurologist has undergone high level specialist training to provide care for patients with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. This is a complex ever changing area. Conditions that do not require consideration of surgery fall under the expertise of a neurologist including, but not limited to, dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. It is typical for a neurologist at the end of their general training to take on 1-2 years of further training (a fellowship) to gain further research skills and more in-depth expertise in a specific area of neurology.
A geriatrician has undergone high level specialist training to provide care for older people usually above the age of 65. This is a complex area as patients may have multiple medical and social issues which can escalate with age. Common issues that geriatricians manage include, but are not limited to, falls, dementia, delirium, polypharmacy and social vulnerability. A geriatrician has to maintain an extremely diverse medical knowledge set, and is very adept at assessing the “whole picture” in their patients’ presentation, and making age-appropriate treatment decisions.
There is great overlap in these two specialist areas of medicine, with many neurological conditions such as dementia and stroke being more common in the older population. Both specialties have to think holistically about the impacts of their patients’ conditions, including the physical, psychological and social implications.
At SMS we have partnered geriatric medicine and neurology together in the service to provide patients the benefit of the different angles of expertise. Each patient will have both specialist inputs at each case conference discussion, in addition to other multidisciplinary members.
Clinical Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology concerned with the study of brain-behaviour relationships, including the assessment of cognitive abilities. Clinical Neuropsychologists provide assessments and treatment recommendations for people experiencing difficulties with their cognitive abilities (e.g. memory, learning, attention, language, reading, problem-solving, decision-making or other aspects of behaviour and thinking abilities). Clinical Neuropsychological assessments involve the measurement and clinical evaluation of cognition, emotion and behavior through interview, observation and standardised psychometric testing. Diagnostic assessments can determine the nature and severity of cognitive changes an individual may be experiencing. For example, in depth cognitive testing provided by a neuropsychology assessment can help determine whether an individual’s memory problem is suggestive of an underlying dementia versus other causes of memory problems.
The results of an assessment provides a useful framework for the provision of compensatory strategies tailored to an individual’s areas of strengths and weaknesses. This can enhance an individual’s everyday function and independence, along with assist carers, partners and treatment agencies to understand and work effectively with the individual.
Along with assisting with diagnosis, a neuropsychology assessment can address a range of medicolegal issues that may arise. These include determining a person’s decision making capacity to appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney, their capacity to make financial, medical and/or lifestyle decisions, their capacity to make or change a will (Testamentary Capacity) and their capacity to instruct a solicitor and engage in legal proceedings.
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a registered allied health profession that assists people to develop, regain or maintain participation in meaningful ‘occupations’ and activities of daily life.
OTs work with individuals, families and communities where disability, illness, or injury impacts on ability to complete self-care tasks, participate in family, social or community activities, leisure, work, or other occupations that bring meaning and purpose to life.
SMS OT assessment/therapy involves:
– Reviewing your current abilities, goals and priorities and which everyday activities are important to you.
– Providing advice and education to help you maximise your abilities, independence and participation in your chosen activities.
– Assessing any safety or accessibility issues at your home and assisting you to modify your environment to compensate for cognitive changes, help you manage better, prevent falls and hospital admissions, and/or recommend adaptive equipment.
– Working with you and your family/carer to develop and implement strategies to help or compensate for your difficulties.
– Assisting you to plan for the anticipated progression of your condition.