Expert Compassionate Dementia Care In San Diego
Dementia is the loss of brain function which affects memory, cognitive skills, behavior and speech. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers disease, a condition which causes a progressive decline in brain function. Other causes of dementia include degenerative brain disorders, such as Lewy body dementia, Parkinsons dementia, frontotemporal dementia and vascular dementia due to strokes.
Alzheimers disease and other related dementias are a difficult diagnosis not only for patients, but for their friends and family as well. At Scripps, our experienced neurologists and medical teams care for people with dementia with deep knowledge, understanding and compassion.
Neurologist Or Memory Disorder Specialist
A neurologist is a specialist who is trained in nervous system disorders, especially issues with the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.2
As with most branches of medicine, neurologists can focus on different aspects of these disorders, or choose to concentrate their care on one disorder. This is something to consider when looking for a neurologist: ask them if they specialize in dementia or the care of Alzheimer’s patients.
In addition to a medical degree, neurologists complete an internship and then a residency in neurology that is at least three years long. If they decide to pursue further specialization like training in sleep medicine or want to focus on one disorder, they might have additional training after their residency.3
You might also see doctors labeled as memory disorder specialists. These can be neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, or geriatricians who specialize in diagnosing and treating dementia or other memory disorders.
Alzheimers Disease Services At Mount Sinai
The Mount Sinai Alzheimers Disease Research Center in New York City offers a wide range of services for individuals coping with memory loss. Our interdisciplinary ADRC team takes a compassionate, comprehensive approachfrom diagnostic evaluation through treatment of memory lossand provides support and education to the caregivers and families of our patients.
Additionally, we conduct several types of clinical research. Our investigators focus not only on the treatment and prevention of Alzheimers disease, but also on techniques to improve diagnosis and delay disease progression.
Which Service is Right for Me?We can help determine which service suits your needs. Contact our coordinator at 212-241-1844.
Don’t Miss: Best Way To Treat Dementia
Choosing The Right Doctor
Choosing a doctor is a very important decision, one that is best made when you are healthy. Not only do you want a doctor who is competent and well-trained particularly in the types of health issues you have but you also want one who gives you the time necessary to listen to and address your health problems or questions. A doctor who knows you and is familiar with your health concerns is a good starting point however, some experts believe that your long-time family physician is NOT the best person to go to for a diagnosis, because the familiarity he or she has with you or your loved one may affect the doctors medical judgment. If you have a family doctor that you know and trust, you may want to ask him or her for a referral to a doctor who specializes in diagnosing Alzheimers disease. Seek out a physician whose specialty is geriatrics, neurology, or clinical psychiatry, because these types of doctors are generally well-trained in the diagnosis of Alzheimers and other related dementias. Click here to use the Resource Locator tool to find physicians near you.
There are a number of things you can do to help ensure youre seeing the right doctor:
Importance Of Getting An Early Diagnosis
Some people may be reluctant to go to the doctor when they notice problems they may wonder if theres any point in getting a diagnosis for a disease that has no cure. Or maybe they worry about losing their independence or fear not being able to care for themselves.
Today there is no cure for Alzheimers disease, but there are benefits to early detection.
To start with, the medications currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminsitration are more likely to be helpful early in the disease process.
Early intervention can delay progression to dementia if you have mild cognitive impairment, says , director of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. We know that you can actually slow the rate of progression of the disease with aggressive multitargeted interventions, including traditional pharmacological therapies and lifestyle interventions, and we also give mild patients early access to clinical trials and research, Dr. Sabbagh adds.
For many, getting a diagnosis can also be a relief. In my experience, the vast majority of patients want to understand what is going on, says Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD, a behavioral neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Its important to get a diagnosis as soon as you can so you can make plans for what might happen in the future, Dr. Graff-Radford adds.
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Trouble following or joining a conversation
You May Like: How To Make A Donation To Alzheimer’s
We Offer A Dedicated Memory Disorders Clinic
At Nebraska Medicine’s Memory Disorders Clinic, you’ll find experienced neurologists who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and management of Alzheimer’s, as well as other memory disorders.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects one out of every nine people who are 65 or older.
Managing the care of an Alzheimers patient can be complex, challenging and time-consuming.
We have a multi-disciplinary team of experienced specialists including neurologists, geriatricians, geriatric neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, nurse case managers, therapists and social workers to develop the best care plan for you or your family member.
Questions To Ask As You Put Together Your Alzheimers Healthcare Team
Naturally, you and your family will have a lot of questions for your doctors when youve been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Youll want to understand all the treatment options that may be available.
Youll also want to learn about all the risks and benefits of each option as your treatment plan evolves.
The following are examples of questions you may want to ask your primary care doctor or any specialists you may see:
- What is the usual course of Alzheimers disease?
- How long can a person with Alzheimers disease expect to function normally?
- What treatment options are available?
- What do you suggest would be the best treatment for me?
- If I take medication for my symptoms, how will you evaluate if it is working?
- What are the side effects of the currently available medications?
- At what stage of the disease might you suggest I stop taking medication?
- What clinical trials are available and how can I find out if I am eligible?
You May Like: Is Anger A Part Of Dementia
Compassionate Care For Patients With Memory Loss
Watching a loved one experience memory loss is challenging, and the journey can be emotionally taxing for both you and the person going through it. While this is difficult, it is important to keep in mind that living with memory loss does not mean living in misery. A cure for dementia and Alzheimers may not yet be available, but we have come a long way in making life easier and more comfortable for those who go through it.
Our compassionate team of medical professionals provide comprehensive care and treatments for patients with memory loss. In addition to caring for the patient, we are also here to help their loved ones with counseling and referrals to community resources. We know this is a difficult time for all involved, and our goal is to help your entire family through it.
It Is Frightening And Heart
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating experience both for the person going through it and the caregivers. There is as yet no cure for Alzheimer’s, but at Nebraska Medicine, we have the experts and know-how to help those suffering from Alzheimer’s to have the best quality of life for as long as possible.
So if you feel like you or someone close to you may be suffering from more than simple spells of forgetfulness, please come talk to us.
You May Like: Is Dementia Related To Alzheimer’s
Personalized Medicine And Personalized Nutrition
We use the latest scientific evidence and consider a variety of factors such as current and past medical problems, genetics, and nutritional patterns to tailor therapies for each patient. These principles form the core of our APC approach. We emphasize lifestyle and nutritional approaches and collect data to help further the scientific study of the effects of dietary modifications on brain health.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
If you suspect that someone has dementia or you already know a person with the neurodegenerative illness, they must see the right dementia doctors.
One of the main reasons for this is the fact that it is usually not easy to diagnose or manage dementia.
For this reason, an ill individual needs to consult with a specialist. He or she has the knowledge and experience to effectively deal with the disease.
People who have dementia may have to visit different types of specialists to get a proper diagnosis.
This will help them get the right information on how to go about living with the illness that has no cure.
Also Check: When Does Dementia Typically Start
A New Approach To Alzheimer’s Disease Management
Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect the patient it affects the entire family. The Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian was founded in 2013 by Dr. Richard Isaacson, who has several family members affected.
The clinic focuses on cutting-edge prevention strategies & comprehensive education for the whole family. To schedule a visit call 746-0226 or email .
Alzheimers & Dementia Care At Providence
At Providence, an expert team of neurologists and other specialists draw on their decades of experience and ongoing research to provide Alzheimer’s treatments that optimize your brain health.
When treating dementia, Alzheimer’s and the wide spectrum of disorders impacting memory and cognition, we provide exceptional care at every stage, from in-depth diagnostic evaluations to comprehensive and personalized treatment plans to improve quality of life.
Recommended Reading: Are There Any Treatments For Dementia
Which Provider Is Best For Me
It is recommended that everyone with suspected dementia should see a specialist to receive a proper examination and diagnosis. There are many different kinds of medical professionals including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, neurologists, etc., and trying to find the right one can be a long and tedious experience. There are many different dementia-specific specialists:
- Geriatricians are primary care internists or family practitioners who specialize in complex conditions of older people. They can provide care for all of an older adults medical needs, but do not specialize in brain or memory problems.
- Geriatric psychiatrists specialize in the mental and emotional needs of older individuals. They conduct thorough memory, mood, sleep, and thinking evaluations, and are particularly good at assessing memory problems associated with life stress, depression, anxiety, excess drinking, or family conflicts.
- General neurologists and psychiatrists perform memory evaluations, but do not specialize in Alzheimers and may treat few people with dementia.
- Behavioral neurologists specialize in cognitive problems such as memory loss, and are very good at detecting subtle brain injuries such as a small stroke or an infection that may be causing the memory problems. They also conduct very thorough neurological and cognitive exams.
How To Choose The Best Healthcare Team
Your primary care physician can help you assemble your healthcare team and refer you to specialists for further evaluation and treatment as needed.
There are many primary care doctors who are comfortable with treating dementia, says Graff-Radford, This is especially true if they see a lot of older patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimers.
Read Also: What Does Lewy Body Dementia Do
Alzheimers Diagnosis And Stages
Currently, theres no specific test to diagnose Alzheimers and related dementia. Screening for dementia is most often done with your primary care physician. Neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists and psychiatrists are often called upon as part of the team to properly diagnose and manage patients with these disorders.
Scripps primary care and specialist physicians diagnose dementia based on a thorough medical evaluation, including:
- Medical history
Are Diagnostic Tests Insured
Some insurance and managed care plans will cover the costs of a diagnostic assessment for Alzheimers disease. Check with your health plans administrator to understand the policies and procedures.
Medicare, the governments health-insurance program for people 65 and up, and Medicaid, the joint federal-state medical-assistance program for people with limited income or assets, typically reimburse doctors for a diagnostic assessment and certain medical tests needed to determine if a patient has Alzheimers disease provided your doctor accepts these plans as payment. Talk to your doctor or doctors staff about what is covered.
Don’t Miss: How To Know If You Have Dementia
We Will Assist With All Aspects Of The Disease And Care Management
We are with you throughout the entire disease process. We will help you address other important issues like safety, ability to drive, administration of medications, and the ability to make financial decisions. We will also help begin discussions about assigning a power-of-attorney, creating a living will with advanced directives and connecting you to community resources. Alzheimers is a long and emotional process, and you should not feel guilty about seeking outside resources to assist whenever possible. We will be there to help you with this process and to help you make the best decisions.
Your Best Choice May Not Be Your Family Doctor
Although a preliminary diagnosis may begin with your primary care doctor, theyll most likely refer you to a specialist. Some people express a preference to continue seeing their family doctor because its someone they know and trust. Others may feel disheartened by their diagnosis and question the use of seeing a specialist.
Thats an understandable concern, but misinformed. New research is published every month about findings in Alzheimers treatment. Although scientists havent yet found a cure, they have uncovered much that is helpful for people who have been diagnosed.
Dementia is a rapidly developing area of study, and its likely that the family doctor wont be as up to date with the latest information. This may be especially true in the case of early onset Alzheimers, where symptoms and treatment are less well-known among most regular doctors.
Seeing a specialist will ensure your loved one benefits from the most recent therapies and medications.
You May Like: How To Deal With Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour In Dementia
The Newest Drugs And Ground
Nebraska Medicine participates in national clinical trials for Alzheimers disease. These trials focus on testing new drug treatments that are designed to prevent the development of the disease or slow its progression.
We also have a new and unique research laboratory dedicated entirely to improving mind and brain health across the lifespan.
Requirements For Apc Participation
All patients who would like a consultation for Alzheimer’s prevention and/or enrollment in the APC Brain Healthy Lifestyle Program should be under the care of a primary care physician and follow up with the APC at least every 6-12 months. Patients must send copies of all recent physician office notes and laboratory and radiology results including brain imaging results and have actual radiology images on a CD-ROM mailed to the clinic at least 4 weeks before the appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Don’t Miss: Tracking Watches For Dementia Patients
Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital Movement Disorders And Neurodegenerative Diseases Center
Your movement mattersat home, at work, and even doing the common tasks that everyone can take for granted. If you have a movement disorder, you deserve a level of care that can get you back to doing the things you love, with confidence and peace of mind.
The Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases Center uses an interdisciplinary team approach to provide individualized care that optimizes your treatment, outcomes and experience. Your care is provided by a focused and experienced team* that includes:
- Specially trained neurologists
We Proactively Manage Your Case
People with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders tend to do much better when they are evaluated and diagnosed early so that a plan of care can be developed and the disease can be managed proactively. Our experienced multi-disciplinary team will help by accurately diagnosing the problem, assessing its severity, and developing a personalized plan for optimal care and treatment.
Don’t Miss: Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care For Dementia Patients
Neurobehavior And Memory Clinic At Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Through the Northwestern Medicine Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, we treat the whole patient and offer support services for both patients and their families. Our treatment plans include:
- Quality, compassionate healthcare
- Research facilities used to promote understanding of Alzheimers disease and hopefully, finding a cure
The Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic is geared toward supporting both patients and their families. When possible, our goal is to manage the disease in order to delay the onset of more debilitating symptoms and to allow patients to live independently longer.
Our clinic is staffed by neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and speech therapists* who use sophisticated cognitive testing and the latest developments in biomarkers. In addition, nationally sponsored clinical trials are available for suitable patients, and eligible patients may benefit from cognitive training and innovative life enrichment programs.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia among older adults. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Specifically, Alzheimers disease causes a steady loss of memory and affects how well you are able to speak, think and do your everyday activities.
There are close to 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimers, but half dont even know it.
Recommended Reading: Walnut Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center