What Type Of Doctor Can Diagnose Alzheimer’s

Referral To A Specialist

If a GP is unsure about whether you have Alzheimer’s disease, they may refer you to a specialist, such as:

• an elderly care physician

The specialist may be based in a memory clinic alongside other professionals who are experts in diagnosing, caring for and advising people with dementia and their families.

There’s no simple and reliable test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, but the staff at the memory clinic will listen to the concerns of both you and your family about your memory or thinking.

They’ll assess your memory and other areas of mental ability and, if necessary, arrange more tests to rule out other conditions.

What Is The Difference Between Dementia And Alzheimers Disease

Dementia is a general term for cognitive challenges severe enough to interfere with daily life. These can include memory loss, trouble with language or words, impaired thinking skills, and difficulty problem-solving. Behavior changes can often occur as well.

• Dementia can be caused by various diseases, including Alzheimers, Huntingtons, or Parkinsons disease.

• It can also result from other conditions, such as brain tumors or strokes.

• Alzheimers disease is the leading cause of dementia in older adults.

• Early signs of Alzheimers can include difficulty with concentration, memory, language, or judgment, as well as withdrawal from social events and changes in mood or behavior.

• Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs in individuals under the age of 65 sometimes as young as 30 or 40.

• Mild cognitive impairment is sometimes considered one of the early stages of dementia.

• Symptoms are mild enough to not interfere with daily life, but over time, often the disease progresses into Alzheimers.

Different Types Of Memory Loss

There are three different types of memory loss as you age.

• Age-Associated Memory Impairment

#1. Age-Associated Memory Impairment

If you have difficulties with your memory, but can still do some of the following things listed below, you may have what is known as age-associated memory impairment.

• You struggle with your memory, but it does not disrupt your daily life.
• You can continue to complete tasks as you always have.
• You can learn and remember new things.
• You have no underlying medical conditions that are causing memory problems.

Age-associated memory impairment is a typical sign of aging. While you may struggle to remember things on occasion like where you placed your phone or a friends name for a minute, these are not signs of Dementia.

#2. Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild Cognitive Impairment is a condition that falls between Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Dementia. You may experience memory loss, have trouble speaking or become disoriented at times. Still, these issues are not severe enough to interfere with your normal routine.

If you have mild cognitive impairment, you are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimers Disease or another type of Dementia.

#3. Dementia

If you are struggling with your memory loss and it affects your daily life, you may have Dementia. Some other signs may include:

If you see these signs, you may be in the early stages of Dementia, but the only way to confirm this is to see your doctor.

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What Does A Neurologist Do

If a patient is referred to a neurologist for memory or cognitive issues, likely theyll undergo some testing. Blood tests help determine if, for example, a vitamin deficiency or thyroid dysfunction is a treatable cause of the impairment, McMurtray said. Patients might also undergo brain imaging to detect any abnormalities, such as signs of a stroke, bleeding or tumors.

If Alzheimers or another form of dementia is the diagnosis, then the neurologist will start treatment options to help slow disease progression. Most of the value we add, McMurtray explained, is with the initial workup, the diagnosis, and making sure there isnt another cause. After that, we start medications. And we might check with the patient once a year to see how theyre doing or more frequently if needed.

Thats why a geriatrician can be a great asset to your care team. A geriatrician can absolutely serve as a primary care physician and would be able to address additional medical problems that the patient might have, McMurtray said. Whereas the neurologist would mainly be evaluating and treating the dementia.

What Is The Difference Between Normal Aging And Dementia

The first thing you can do is determine if the difficulty you are having with your memory is caused by normal signs of aging or from Dementia.

As we age, about 40% of us will experience memory loss after 65. This does not mean that all 40% have Dementia. This memory loss is relatively mild. It is usually fairly easy to still live your life without interruption or help from others.

It is estimated by the World Health Organization only five to eight percent of individuals over the age of 60 will have Dementia at some point in their life.

The reason for such a vast difference is that they are many different levels of memory loss because not all memory loss is associated with Dementia.

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Know The Benefits Of Early Diagnosis

It is essential to understand the benefits of an Early diagnosis when living with Dementia. Understanding the benefits may help you see your doctor begin learning how to cope and live with this diagnosis. These benefits include:

• Your doctor will diagnose you with an accurate Dementia Diagnosis based on symptoms and testing.
• Become actively involved in future healthcare and personal decisions.
• Get more effective treatments.
• Focus on what is most important in your life.
• Make choices for your future, including legal and financial matters.
• Use and understand resources that are available to you.
• It gives your family time to understand the challenges and the progression of such challenges.
• You can raise awareness of Dementia while you still can.

What Are The Benefits Of Early Diagnosis

Early, accurate diagnosis is beneficial for several reasons. Beginning treatment early in the disease process may help preserve daily functioning for some time, even though the underlying Alzheimers process cannot be stopped or reversed.

Having an early diagnosis helps people with Alzheimer’s and their families:

• plan for the future
• take care of financial and legal matters
• address potential safety issues
• learn about living arrangements
• develop support networks

In addition, an early diagnosis gives people greater opportunities to participate in clinical trials that are testing possible new treatments for Alzheimers disease or other research studies.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials, see www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/volunteer.

Read Also: What Are The Stages Of Frontotemporal Dementia

Why Early Detection Can Be Difficult

Alzheimers disease usually is not diagnosed in the early stages, even in people who visit their primary care doctors with memory complaints.

• People and their families generally underreport the symptoms.
• They may confuse them with normal signs of aging.
• The symptoms may emerge so gradually that the person affected doesnt recognize them.
• The person may be aware of some symptoms but go to great lengths to conceal them.

Recognizing symptoms early is crucial because medication to control symptoms is most effective in the early stages of the disease and early diagnosis allows the individual and his or her family members to plan for the future. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact a physician.

Mental Status Exam / Cognitive Testing

Your doctor may order cognitive testing. There are four main types of cognitive testing that your doctor may order. This helps measure your mental functions. The tests may choose from are as follows:

• Montreal Cognitive Assessment

They may also request Informant Tools, a series of questions that are asked to a close friend or family. These include:

• Short Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly

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What Is Dementia Symptoms Types And Diagnosis

On this page:

• Who can diagnose dementia?

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning thinking, remembering, and reasoning to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of living.

Dementia is more common as people grow older but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.

There are several different forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. A persons symptoms can vary depending on the type.

Who Can Diagnose Dementia

Visiting a primary care doctor is often the first step for people who are experiencing changes in thinking, movement, or behavior. However, neurologists doctors who specialize in disorders of the brain and nervous system are often consulted to diagnose dementia. Geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians may also be able to diagnose dementia. Your doctor can help you find a specialist.

If a specialist cannot be found in your community, contact the nearest medical school neurology department for a referral. A medical school hospital also may have a dementia clinic that provides expert evaluation. You can also visit the Alzheimers Disease Research Centers directory to see if there is an NIA-funded center near you. These centers can help with obtaining a diagnosis and medical management of conditions.

Read Also: What Stage Of Dementia Is Incontinence

Medical Tests Used To Diagnose Alzheimers Disease

There is no single Alzheimers test that can determine whether a person has the disease. Currently, Alzheimers disease can only be confirmed after death through examination of brain tissue in an autopsy. Diagnosing Alzheimers and other types of dementia while patients are still alive is not yet an exact science, but doctors do have an arsenal of tests that can narrow down the underlying reason for a patients symptoms, such as memory problems and changes in behavior. However, it is important to keep in mind that these mental and physical tests are conducted to rule out all other possible causes, not to verify the presence of AD.

Clinicians are about 80 percent accurate in determining whether someone has AD, but a lot of cases arent black and white, explains David Morgan, Ph.D., CEO and director of the Byrd Alzheimers Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida.

While this figure may not seem reassuring, it is still crucial for patients to undergo testing as soon as they begin exhibiting symptoms. The results will help physicians provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment suggestions, which will enable patients and their families to make plans and prepare for the future.

Read:A Dementia Diagnosis: Bane or Blessing?

So, when should one seek medical attention for suspected Alzheimers?

Memory Care At Barclay Friends

Depending on ones degree of Alzheimers disease or dementia, supportive community living may be an appropriate care choice. Barclay Friends dedicated memory care environment adopts a person-centered approach, tailored to each residents individual preferences and interests. Residents have the right to participate in decisions about their lives. Staff offer residents choices by doing with rather than doing for. Whats more, our attending physicians personally know each resident and their unique health situations and can offer referrals to a neurologist or other specialists, if needed.

Discover memory care centered on doing with, not doing for.Barclay Friends offers a full continuum of care.

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Key Points Of Working With Your Doctor

• It is important to choose the right doctor for you.
• There are many different types of dementia. It is important to see a doctor who has experience treating the type of dementia you are living with.
• Different doctors can help evaluate your memory and thinking problems. Typically, you will first visit with your PCP or primary care doctor. Other specialists that may be involved include Geriatrician, Geriatric Psychiatrists, Neurologists, and Neuropsychologists.
• Symptoms of dementia may vary based on the type of dementia that you are living with.
• You want to be prepared with your appointment with your doctor. Record your current symptoms, medications, and questions that you may have.
• Understand how a diagnosis is made. No single test can diagnose dementia. These assessments include medical history, cognitive testing, lab tests, and brain imaging.
• Know the treatments that are available to help manage your symptoms.
• Know what to expect at your follow-up visits with your doctor.

Resources

What To Bring With You To Your First Visit

When you meet with your healthcare provider for the first time, there are some things you will want to be sure to bring with you.

These include:

• A list of symptoms you are experiencing: This includes changes in your health, changes in mood, memory, and behavior. Try to be as specific as possible.
• Current and past medical problems: Include any family history of memory problems.
• Current medications: Include prescription, over-the-counter medications, and supplements that you are currently taking.
• List of questions that you have.

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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?

Is It Safe For My Loved One To Live At Home

From falls to kitchen fires to getting lost, safety is a big concern when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Talk to the doctor about any immediate safety concerns that may need to be addressed, then start working on a plan to ensure your loved one will continue to be safe as the disease progresses.

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How To Choose An Alzheimer’s Doctor

When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, choosing an Alzheimer’s doctor is crucial to receiving the proper care and treatment. But who do you see? The medical field has split itself into so many specialties that finding the right professional can be a daunting task.

Your primary care physician is often the best place to start if more focused testing or treatment is needed, you may be referred to a specialist. However, primary care physicians don’t always refer patients to specialists, even when it could help clarify a diagnosis or supplement primary treatment. In these cases, its up to you to sort through the maze of medical professionals.

If you feel that you want more specialized care, use the following guide to help you determine what kind of expert will best meet your needs. Of course, always check to make sure professionals are licensed or certified to practice their specializations.

How Should I Prepare For My Appointment

• Be patient. Dont be surprised if it takes several days or even weeks to get an appointment with a neurologist or other specialist. It may also take time to receive test results.
• Verify credentials and coverage. Ensure ahead of time that the doctor you have sought is licensed and certified and that your loved ones insurance plan will cover various visits and procedures.
• Keep a journal. Begin logging any changes in your loved ones health, including memory, mood and behaviors. Bring this log to all physician appointments.
• Bring a list of current medications. Come prepared with a list of any current medications and dosages as well, including any vitamins and supplements.
• Write down your questions. It is all too easy to forget important questions when youre consulting with your own or a loved ones doctor. Make a list of your questions in advance, record or write down the answers you receive, preferably at the time of the appointment, and be sure to answer any questions you are asked as thoroughly and honestly as possible.
• Expect to be evaluated. Your loved ones doctor may assess such things as their physical and mental health history, their current mental status, eye and other sensory systems, fine and gross motor skills, tendon reflexes, coordination, gait, and other functions. They may also order blood and urine tests as well as other procedures and/or make recommendations for a specialist.

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Where Can I Find Resources To Help Me Care For My Loved One With Alzheimers

Education opportunities, resources, and support can be found through a variety of avenues.

• A geriatric care manager versed in dementia can offer personalized guidance.

• Dementia caregiver support groups can be valuable sources of advice.

• Adult day programs for those with dementia can provide support and respite for your loved one and guidance when you need it.

These organizations can help you find resources, services, and support:

• Ready Set Cares Care Community provides no-cost access to caregiving experts who can answer your questions about caring for your aging loved one. Youll also benefit from support from other family caregivers.

• Alzheimers Associations Resource Finder helps you locate nearby dementia care programs, services, and resources.

• Dial 2-1-1 to find an array of local resources and services.

• The Eldercare Locator is provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging to connect the public with services for older adults and their families.

• Your local Area Agency on Aging is the go-to hub for all local resources and services to support older adults.