Tasmania’s first multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to assessing and diagnosing memory and cognitive problems has opened in Hobart.
The Tasmanian Memory and Cognition Clinic is a service which aims to help Tasmanians who are experiencing difficulties related to their memories.
Members from the community will be able to access expert diagnostic services in relation to problems associated with memory, or related disorders, via a referral from their GPs.
The clinic is based in Hobart and is part of the ISLAND Project at the University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.
“The clinic is the first of its kind for the state in providing a multidisciplinary accessible service which can help with the potential diagnosis of dementia and related conditions,” Centre Director Professor James Vickers said.
“The clinic aims to provide a comprehensive service – with a neurologist, geriatricians, nurse and neuropsychologist – all part of the team of clinicians to help assess, diagnose and support people with memory and cognition issues.”
Professor Vickers said the clinic will also provide an invaluable opportunity to expand clinical research capacity associated with memory related conditions, such as dementia.
“The research conducted will also be linked to the National Health and Medical Research Council-funded Australian Dementia Network (ADNet) and will provide new information about the care experiences of people with dementia,” he said.
“Local research will also include new methods to diagnose dementia in its earliest stages.”
Image caption: (from left) ISLAND project participants Kim Wilson and Dany Pacaud, Wicking Centre Director Professor James Vickers, Clinic neurologist Dr Jane Alty and Clinic doctor Katharine Salmon.
