Memory Clinic

This multidisciplinary specialist clinic assesses patients referred for memory problems. The clinic is headed by Dr Henry Brodaty (Professor of sychogeriatrics) and includes Dr Perminder Sachdev (Professor of Neuropsychiatry), Dr Julian Trollor (Staff Specialist in Neuropsychiatry), Dr Rod Mackenzie (Visiting Medical Neurologist and Visiting Medical Officer), Lisa Lorentz and Nicole Kochan (Neuropsychologists), Karen Lazarus (Social Worker) and Jackie Wesson (Occupational Therapist).

Requirements for referrals are memory problems interfering with daily function for persons who are independent in self-care. Patients with more severe memory problems should be referred to general psychogeriatric outpatients or to their local Aged Care Assessment Team.

Assessment is carried out on two days over one week. On the first day, generally a Thursday afternoon, the patient and an informant (usually a spouse or close relative) has an assessment by a doctor and a CT scan of the brain. On the second day, usually a Wednesday morning, the patient has a neuropsychological assessment, blood tests, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and electroencephalogram (EEG). A person who knows the patients well is also seen by a social worker.

One week later, at approximately 1pm on a Thursday, the patient and family are seen to provide the results of investigations, conclusions about diagnosis and recommendations for further treatment and management.

Referrals can be made by telephoning the Administrative Officer for Aged Care Psychiatry, Margaret Fitzgerald, on 9382 3759. All referrals must complete a detailed questionnaire, which will be forwarded by mail, before an appointment can be given. A list of all medications and copies of previous investigations and any brain scans that have already be done should be brought to the first appointment. If an interpreter is required please notify the Administrative Officer when the appointment is sought. It is important to bring reading glasses and hearing aids if these are used.