Neurologist & Neurologist Located In Frisco Tx
You may be worried about your own lapses in memory or be concerned about a family member whos increasingly forgetful, cant concentrate, or constantly loses things. One of the best things you can do is get an early assessment performed by Nnamdi Dike, DO, at Affinity Neurocare. Dr. Dike specializes in identifying the exact cause of your memory problems and developing personalized treatment that supports your cognitive health. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or use the online booking feature.
Find A Local Geriatric Doctor
To find a geriatrician in your area, use the American Geriatrics Societys geriatrician finder on their Health in Aging website.
Geriatrics is one of the rarest medical specialties, so there might not be a geriatrician in your area.
The next best thing is to find a doctor who has experience with caring for older adults.
To make sure the doctor youre considering truly has the type of experience your older adult needs, be sure to ask for more information.
For example, you could ask:
- Have they received additional training in geriatrics?
- How do they approach caring for seniors differently than for middle-aged patients?
- Are there medications they avoid using with older adults?
At an appointment, the new doctor should want to review all of your older adults medications, ask about their health conditions, and ask about their goals for care.
Based on their answers and what you observe at the appointment, youll get a good idea of whether they take caring for seniors seriously or if they view them as basically the same as middle-aged patients.
What To Expect When You See A Gp About Dementia
A GP will ask about your symptoms and other aspects of your health.
They’ll also ask if you’re finding it difficult to manage everyday activities such as:
- washing and dressing
- cooking and shopping
- paying bills
If possible, someone who knows you well should be with you at your GP appointment, so they can describe any changes or problems they’ve noticed. They could also help you remember what was said at the appointment, if this is difficult for you.
Memory problems do not necessarily mean you have dementia. These problems can have other causes, such as:
- an underactive thyroid
- side effects of some medicines
To help rule out other causes of memory problems, the GP will do a physical examination and may organise tests, such as a blood test and urine test.
You’ll also be asked to do a memory or cognitive test to check any problems with your memory or ability to think clearly.
Read more about the tests used to diagnose dementia.
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Neurologists: Do Seniors With Alzheimer’s Need One
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia stemming from Alzheimers, understanding your options can be an emotional and difficult process. Though there is no cure, there are treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and help your loved one maintain their quality of life. While most experts agree that anyone with any form of dementia should see a specialist, there are several types to choose from. That can make it difficult to know what course of action to take.
One effective option is to visit neurologists specializing in dementia near you who can offer guidance. They can conduct a thorough neurological exam and recommend subsequent Alzheimers treatment. Combining a neurologists evaluation with the findings of other types of Alzheimers doctors near youpsychiatrists, psychologists and geriatricianscan help make the path to finding the best treatment for your loved one even clearer.
What Treatments Are Available For Dementia
Since theres currently no cure for dementia, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors may help people with Alzheimers disease and Lewy body dementia by improving memory and depression, and reducing agitation or hallucinations. Another medication, memantine, slows the progression of Alzheimers disease.
Dr. Dike may prescribe other medications for vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. He also works closely with family members to help them find the community support services needed for their loved ones with dementia.
Whether you need diagnostic screening to learn whether memory problems are an early sign of dementia, or you need ongoing treatment, compassionate care is available at Affinity Neurocare.
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How To Get A Dementia Diagnosis
The dementia diagnosis process can vary for everyone. This page describes the typical steps involved in getting a diagnosis, including what might happen if you are referred to a specialist.
For many people, getting a dementia diagnosis can be quite simple and take just a few weeks. For others it can take much longer sometimes more than a year.
There isnt yet a simple test for dementia, so a diagnosis is normally based on a mixture of different types of assessment.
You will have several tests to give healthcare professionals enough information to tell you what is causing your symptoms.
For most people, the process usually follows these steps:
But the assessment process can vary, and will not be the same for everyone.
Talking to your GP about dementia
Whats The Difference Between A Geriatric And Regular Doctor
Geriatric doctors have more experience with conditions that are common in seniors and with people who have multiple chronic conditions.
They also have a better understanding of how older bodies respond to different treatments.
Internal or family medicine doctors are more likely to see patients who are between 30 and 60 years old. When treating an older adult, these doctors may have to make educated guesses based on their experience with younger patients.
Their lack of experience with aging bodies could also lead them to recommend more aggressive treatments that might not work as well for older patients.
Its similar to how pediatricians are doctors that specialize in caring for children.
In a lifetime, someone could start with a pediatrician, change to an internal medicine doctor, and then switch to a geriatrician.
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Referral To A Dementia Specialist
Dementia can be difficult to diagnose, especially if your symptoms are mild.
If the GP has been able to rule out other causes for your symptoms, they’ll refer you to a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing dementia, such as:
- a psychiatrist with experience of treating dementia
- a doctor specialising in elderly care
- a doctor specialising in the brain and nervous system
The specialist may work in a memory clinic with other professionals who are experts in diagnosing, caring for, and advising people with dementia, and their families.
What Is A Geriatric Doctor
A geriatric doctor is someone who specializes in caring for people 65 and older. Theyre also referred to as geriatricians.
Theyre doctors of internal or family medicine who have an extra 1 or 2 years of training in areas related to elder care.
The additional training gives them more experience with conditions like heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, mobility issues, or Alzheimers and dementia.
Geriatricians can be primary care doctors, provide consultations, or work as part of an older adults medical team.
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Psychological And Psychosocial Therapies
Psychological therapies for dementia include some limited evidence for reminiscence therapy , some benefit for cognitive reframing for caretakers, unclear evidence for validation therapy and tentative evidence for mental exercises, such as cognitive stimulation programs for people with mild to moderate dementia. Offering personally tailored activities may help reduce challenging behavior and may improve quality of life. It is not clear if personally tailored activities have an impact on affect or improve for the quality of life for the caregiver.
Adult daycare centers as well as special care units in nursing homes often provide specialized care for dementia patients. Daycare centers offer supervision, recreation, meals, and limited health care to participants, as well as providing respite for caregivers. In addition, home care can provide one-to-one support and care in the home allowing for more individualized attention that is needed as the disorder progresses. Psychiatric nurses can make a distinctive contribution to people’s mental health.
Some London hospitals found that using color, designs, pictures and lights helped people with dementia adjust to being at the hospital. These adjustments to the layout of the dementia wings at these hospitals helped patients by preventing confusion.
Cognitive training
Personally tailored activities
The Seven Stages Of Dementia
One of the most difficult things to hear about dementia is that, in most cases, dementia is irreversible and incurable. However, with an early diagnosis and proper care, the progression of some forms of dementia can be managed and slowed down. The cognitive decline that accompanies dementia conditions does not happen all at once – the progression of dementia can be divided into seven distinct, identifiable stages.
Learning about the stages of dementia can help with identifying signs and symptoms early on, as well as assisting sufferers and caretakers in knowing what to expect in further stages. The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start.
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What Treatments Might A Neurologist Prescribe For Dementia
There are a few medications that are approved for the treatment of Alzheimer Disease. These include cholinesterase inhibitors .
These medications work by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain and have some modest symptomatic benefit in patients with dementia.
Another category of medication includes Memantine, which is an NMDA-receptor antagonist. This works by blocking a different neurotransmitter which may protect the brain.
This also has been shown to have very modest benefits.
Neurologists may prescribe medications to help certain symptoms of dementia, such as behavioral disturbances, hallucinations, sleep problems, depression, agitation, and aggression.
These may include antidepressants, antipsychotics and various other medications.
Nutrition, physical therapy and cognitive rehab are also things a neurologist may consider in the multidisciplinary approach to dementia care.
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
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Stage : Moderate Dementia
Patients in stage 5 need some assistance in order to carry out their daily lives. The main sign for stage 5 dementia is the inability to remember major details such as the name of a close family member or a home address. Patients may become disoriented about the time and place, have trouble making decisions, and forget basic information about themselves, such as a telephone number or address.
While moderate dementia can interfere with basic functioning, patients at this stage do not need assistance with basic functions such as using the bathroom or eating. Patients also still have the ability to remember their own names and generally the names of spouses and children.
Board Certified Adult Neurologist & Pain Management Specialist Located In Kissimmee Fl
Alzheimers disease is responsible for 60-80% of all dementia cases, but its not the only type of progressive dementia. If youre worried about memory lapses, misplacing things, or changes in behavior, Carlos Feliciano, MD, at Neurology & Neuropathic Pain Management offers compassionate care and ongoing support for all types of dementia. Seeking an early diagnostic screening and starting treatment as soon as possible often improves and prolongs mental function. To learn more about the help available for dementia, call the office in Kissimmee, Florida, or schedule an appointment online.
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How Is Dementia Treated
Treatment depends on the type of dementia, your health history, and other individual factors. Theres no cure for dementia, but management can help reduce symptoms and slow the disease progression.
Dr. Belinga designs a custom management plan that may include medication, physical or occupational therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Finding out that you or someone you love has dementia can feel like a shock. An experienced physician like Dr. Belinga can help you learn to live with dementia so you can retain your long-term quality of life. To schedule an evaluation, call The Belinga Clinic today, or book an appointment online.
Tips For Choosing A Medical Provider
Once youve developed a potential list of AD providers, its time to contact their office and determine if they could be the right doctor for your loved one. Examples of questions to ask on the first phone call can include:
- What insurance types do you accept?
- What types of services are offered for those with AD?
- Are there any special qualifications or behavioral needs your practice works with or doesnt work with ?
- How is the staff trained in AD and dementia? Do any support staff members have special credentials related to AD care?
Another deciding factor could be the level of experience the provider has in treating people with AD. Some seek board certification in gerontology or in their chosen medical field. This means the doctor has undergone continuing education and further testing to prove they have extensive knowledge on a particular subject.
Many medical practices will also offer a free meet and greet appointment during which you meet the medical provider and tour the office to ensure its the best fit for a loved one. You may also wish to ask if the provider can give you references or testimonials from their patients. Speaking to others can help you determine what it would be like to see this doctor on a regular basis.
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Treatable Causes Of Dementia
There are many conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms that can sometimes be stopped or even reversed with treatment. These conditions include:
- Side effects of certain medicines
- Emotional problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression
- Certain vitamin deficiencies
- Blood clots, tumors, or infections in the brain
- Delirium, a sudden state of confusion and disorientation
- Head injury, such as a concussion from a fall or accident
- Thyroid, kidney, or liver problems
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
Talk with your doctor if you experience serious memory problems or other symptoms of dementia. A proper diagnosis is important to getting the right treatment.
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.
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Preparing For Your Appointment With A Specialist
You may have to wait between a few weeks or several months before you are able to see a specialist for further tests. How quickly you are seen depends on where you live, and how serious your symptoms are.
For many people, waiting is the hardest part of the diagnosis process.
You can ask the health professionals questions at any time during the assessment process. There are also several things you can do to live well while you wait for your assessment:
Stage : Mild Cognitive Impairment
Clear cognitive problems begin to manifest in stage 3. A few signs of stage 3 dementia include:
- Getting lost easily
- Noticeably poor performance at work
- Forgetting the names of family members and close friends
- Difficulty retaining information read in a book or passage
- Losing or misplacing important objects
- Difficulty concentrating
Patients often start to experience mild to moderate anxiety as these symptoms increasingly interfere with day to day life. Patients who may be in this stage of dementia are encouraged to have a clinical interview with a clinician for proper diagnosis.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia
Signs and symptoms of dementia result when once-healthy neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain stop working, lose connections with other brain cells, and die. While everyone loses some neurons as they age, people with dementia experience far greater loss.
The symptoms of dementia can vary and may include:
- Experiencing memory loss, poor judgment, and confusion
- Difficulty speaking, understanding and expressing thoughts, or reading and writing
- Wandering and getting lost in a familiar neighborhood
- Trouble handling money responsibly and paying bills
- Repeating questions
- Not caring about other peoples feelings
- Losing balance and problems with movement
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can also develop dementia as they age, and recognizing their symptoms can be particularly difficult. Its important to consider a persons current abilities and to monitor for changes over time that could signal dementia.
If Youre Worried About Possible Dementia
Lets say youre like the man I spoke to recently, and youre worried that an older parent might have dementia. Youre planning to have a doctor assess your parent. Heres how you can help the process along:
- Obtain copies of your parents medical information, so you can bring them to the dementia evaluation visit. The most useful information to bring is laboratory results and any imaging of the brain, such as CAT scans or MRIs. See this post for a longer list of medical information that is very helpful to bring to a new doctor.
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