Finding A Dementia Specialist Near Me: Top Tips For Finding Support
Dementia is the name for a collection of diseases and disorders that impact cognitive function and memory severely enough to affect daily life. There are various types of dementia, and individuals with dementia may experience symptoms that progress over time. Currently, there is no cure for dementia patients. However, there are treatment options that may slow the progression of dementia.
For individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia, the initial diagnosis may lead them to search for a “dementia specialist near me.”
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of working with a dementia specialist as well as how to find one.
What is dementia and how does it impact a person’s life?
Individuals with dementia experience a condition that can severely impact cognitive function and cause memory loss over time. The following are some types of dementia and their different symptoms and causes:
- Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s dementia accounts for 60% to 80% of all dementia diagnoses and is the most common form of dementia. People experiencing Alzheimer’s disease may experience mild cognitive impairment early on that progresses in time. Patients with Alzheimer’s may experience confusion or forgetfulness that can make managing daily tasks challenging.
- Vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by a reduction in blood flow into the brain, which deprives the brain of needed oxygen and nutrients.
- Lewy body dementia. Lewy body dementia may cause sleep disturbances, tremors, visual hallucinations, and memory loss. This form of dementia also includes Parkinson’s disease dementia.
- Frontotemporal dementia. Frontal temporal dementia is caused by nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal regions of the brain, which can impact language formation and critical thinking skills.
- Brain tumors. Individuals with brain tumors may experience dementia-like symptoms due to the physical impact of tumors on the brain matter.
The symptoms of dementia may vary depending on which stage of dementia a patient is in. Individuals in the early stages of dementia may experience mild forgetfulness, losing track of time and becoming lost in familiar places. As the disease progresses, symptoms may begin to become more impactful, marked by increased confusion, difficulty recognizing family and friends, and the need for assistance with daily activities. In the final stages, individuals may rely on full-time care to manage daily activities. Although dementia progression can be highly impactful, treatment may help to slow the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms.
Why is it important to find a dementia specialist?
Treating dementia can be a complex and multidimensional process that involves a team of doctors and mental health professionals. To diagnose dementia, dementia doctors may consider a patient's mental health and medical history and order a battery of mental and physical tests, lab tests, and brain imaging scans. An early diagnosis may play an important role in improving patient care.
A dementia specialist is a healthcare professional with expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing dementia and its associated symptoms. These specialists typically have extensive knowledge of various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, and they are skilled in providing comprehensive care tailored to the needs of individuals with these conditions. This specialized care is one of the main reasons why working with a dementia specialist can be beneficial. These specialists tend to have a thorough understanding of dementia and how it affects a person and their family.
What to expect when working with a specialist
When working with a dementia specialist, patients can expect a few things. They will likely undergo an initial consultation, and the specialist may use diagnostic testing to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes ongoing support. Below is a detailed description of how a dementia specialist may work with a patient:
Initial consultation
If a person believes they have dementia, a specialist typically has them come in for an initial consultation. The specialist usually gathers extensive information about the patient’s medical history, including past illnesses, medications, and family history of dementia or other neurological disorders. In addition, caregivers and family members may be asked to provide observations and details about changes in behavior, memory, and daily functioning. It can help to be thorough and honest during this time so that the specialist can get a full picture of the disorder and a patient’s history.
It may be important for the specialist to know how long the person has been experiencing their symptoms. This discussion may focus on both cognitive and physical symptoms and how they are impacting the patient.
Diagnostic testing
Even if a patient has already been diagnosed with dementia, a specialist may conduct further testing to understand the full nature and extent of the disease. This could include brain scans, blood work, or other laboratory tests. Through diagnostic testing, a dementia specialist can begin to determine how far the disease has progressed and develop a treatment plan.
Diagnostic testing may be an ongoing process that continues throughout treatment to help the specialist or team of specialists monitor and track how effective treatment is. For patients and family members, it can be important to give thorough and complete answers to a doctor’s questions throughout the treatment process. This can help to ensure that the specialist has all of the necessary information when making and adjusting treatment recommendations.
Developing a treatment plan
A dementia specialist may lean on a variety of professionals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on slowing disease progression and addressing symptoms. As part of a treatment plan, a specialist may recommend medication that can slow progression and reduce symptoms. These medications may be targeted at improving memory and cognition, which can help a patient remain functional in daily life.
A comprehensive treatment plan also may include physical therapy and psychotherapy options. A physical therapist may work with a patient to maintain fine motor skills and balance, both of which may diminish as the condition progresses. A mental health professional, such as a therapist, may develop a plan for managing negative thought patterns that may develop as part of dementia.
Ongoing support and management
Dementia is a lifelong disease that may require ongoing support and management for both the patient and their family members. A dementia specialist can communicate with the patient and their family to determine if more or less support is needed and to discuss the impact of different lifestyle changes and medications. This ongoing support can help to ensure that a patient is getting the treatment they need at the time that they need it.
It can be important for family members to seek support for themselves as they navigate the role of caregiver. This could include attending therapy sessions or making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and anxiety. Providing care and support for a loved one with dementia can be a team effort, with mental and medical professionals working with friends and family members to provide support for a person with dementia.
How to find a dementia specialist near you
Finding a dementia specialist nearby can be challenging. For people with dementia, it may be beneficial to collaborate with their primary care provider to find dementia specialists nearby. While some services and treatments typically require in-person appointments, many dementia specialists and support professionals work virtually, which means that you can find support, even if the specialist is not nearby.
One form of treatment that may help people with dementia is online cognitive training. One longitudinal study found that computerized cognitive training led to improvement for people living with dementia.
Also, online therapy may be helpful for people with dementia if they are experiencing depression, which is a common comorbid disorder. Online therapy may also be especially effective for their caregivers, who may have limited time to attend in-person therapy sessions given their caregiving responsibilities. With online therapy, caregivers can be matched with a licensed therapist who has experience working with friends and family of people living with dementia.
Takeaway
For individuals with dementia, online therapy may be an effective way to manage negative thought patterns as well as depression and anxiety that can be caused by dementia. Therapy can also be beneficial for family and caregivers of someone with dementia, who often face unique challenges as they try to provide compassionate care for their loved one. Take the first step toward getting support with the unique challenges of dementia and contact BetterHelp today.
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