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The Gold Coast – Tweed
Memory Clinic
Memory complaints are a common problem. Although memory complaints
can affect all ages, they are more common in older people, and the
aging of the Australian population means that memory problems will
become an increasingly important clinical issue. Early diagnosis and
treatment is essential for effective management. Early recognition
and treatment may prevent further memory deterioration and can
restore memory to previous levels of function.
Memory problems can be due to many causes. Normal aging, anxiety,
stress, depression, early onset of dementia (including Alzheimer’s
disease), mini strokes, Parkinson’s disease, both prescribed,
recreational (alcohol) and illicit (cannabis) drug use, brain
infections/inflammation/tumors, epilepsy, head trauma, sleep apnoea,
vitamin deficiencies, heavy metal or carbon monoxide poisoning, and
thyroid and other physical diseases can produce memory loss. In
addition to the more common Alzheimer's disease, other degenerative
brain disorders can produce memory problems and dementia. These
conditions include vascular dementia, normal-pressure hydrocephalus,
Huntington's disease, frontal-temporal dementia, Lewy body dementia,
progressive supranuclear palsy, and Wilson's disease.
Accurate diagnosis is important as some of these conditions will
resolve with appropriate treatment. Even in situations where cure is
not possible, prevention of further deterioration and enhancement of
remaining function will be an important goal of therapy. Education
of the patient and family is a crucial part of the management plan.
The Memory Clinic has been established in recognition of a need for
a systematic, multidisciplinary and specialized approach to the
diagnosis and management of memory disorders. The Clinic's approach
is based on the most advanced assessment and treatment techniques
available. Clinic staff includes medical, neuropsychiatry and
psychologist members.
At an initial consultation a comprehensive medical and psychiatric
review is conducted. Laboratory tests and brain imaging scans are
ordered, and patients complete a computer-based touch-screen
neuropsychological test battery to define the pattern of memory and
cognitive problems and to provide a base-line from which to assess
treatment interventions.
At a second consultation all results are reviewed with the patient
and a personalized management plan developed. This plan includes
interventions to correct underlying medical conditions, prevent
further deterioration and to maximize memory function. Patients
participate in a comprehensive memory management program covering
education as well as interventions to reduce risk factors and
enhance protective factors for memory loss. Treatments include (as
appropriate) memory enhancing anti-dementia drugs, memory training
programs, reduction of dementia and vascular risk factors, vitamin
supplementation, treatment of anxiety and depression, stress
management, patient and family education, and referral to community
support agencies. At the completion of the program the patient's
progress is reviewed and the patient referred back to the local
doctor with an updated management plan.
The Memory Clinic is located at Tweed Heads. This specialist
resource for patients with memory problems will set the standard for
the management of these conditions. Referrals can be made by
contacting the Clinic.
The Memory Clinic
Assessment, treatment and prevention of memory problems
A comprehensive multidisciplinary clinical program
Computer-based touch-screen neuropsychological testing
Director: Dr Philip LP Morris
MB BS, BSc, PhD, FRANZCP, FAChAM, AmBPN
Consultant Physician in Neuropsychiatry
36 Beryl St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Ph: 07 55992220, Fax: 07 55992221
email:
info@solstice-mindmatters.com.au
Visit
http://www.memoryclinic.com.au/ |