Information for clients
Memory and other cognitive changes may occur as a result of normal ageing, or may be due to a number of different medical or emotional problems. The Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic offers assessment and management of challenges related to memory and cognitive health. Care is provided mainly through virtual care appointments using the secure Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN).
Making an appointment
All clients must have a physician referral, so please speak to your physician.
Contact us
Contact the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic at (416) 785-2444, or email us at memoryclinic@baycrest.org
All physician referral forms can be faxed to: 647-788-2199
Your First Visit
This is our first opportunity to get to know you.
1. You may meet the Registered Nurse who will:
- review the questionnaire you completed
- complete a health history questionnaire with you
- conduct a brief cognitive assessment to help understand your thinking skills
2. You will also meet a Physician, Fellow or other allied healthcare professional who will:
- ask you a number of questions to fully understand your concerns
- conduct a neurological examination that includes testing your strength and coordination
- discuss your diagnosis
- answer any questions you may have
3. You may be:
- referred to other team members for further assessment
- asked to undergo further investigative tests
Following your appointment, you can access your Memory Clinic Visit Summary report through MyChart- to register for MyChart, please email memoryclinic@baycrest.org or call 416-785-2444
This Clinic Visit Summary report will provide you with an overview of the appointment findings and provide instructions as to the agreed upon next steps to be taken.
Follow-up Visits
These visits will vary from person to person. Usually, the first follow-up visit occurs when we have all of your test results, approximately 6 to 12 weeks after your first appointment.
At your first follow-up meeting, the Registered Nurse will:
- meet with you and your family or caregiver to see how you are doing
- ask you to identify any new issues that have come up
You will also see the Physician who will:
- review the results of your tests
- discuss the potential diagnoses
- determine if more tests are required
- discuss treatment options
Future follow-up visits may be needed. The nurse and physician will discuss what the next steps should be.
Possible Assessments
Assessments at your first visit may include:
- pencil-and-paper tests and questionnaires
- health history
- If a physical examination by the physician is required, an on-site clinic appointment will be arranged so that this can happen
Additional tests may be ordered such as blood tests, MRI, CT or SPECT scans done at another hospital, or a full assessment of memory and other thinking skills.
You may be referred to other specialists for additional assessments. These tests and assessments will help determine an accurate diagnosis, which leads to best treatments.
Your Healthcare Team
Our clinic provides easy, timely access to a wide range of specialists.
You will always be seen by a Physician and a Registered Nurse.
Depending on your particular needs, you may also see other members of the team such as a neuropsychologist, social worker or speech language pathologist.
Possible Treatments
Although there is no cure for dementia, there are a number of medications that may help improve or stabilize certain symptoms.
Other therapies, such as day programs, support groups and specialized interventions, can help alleviate some of the symptoms as well, and teach strategies for dealing with certain issues.
Your physician and healthcare team, in consideration of your wishes/needs/situation will determine the best course of treatment for you.
Research: If you are interested in exploring participation in Clinical Trials for Dementia Care, click on Anne and Allan Bank Centre for Clinical Research Trials