If you or the person you are caring for may be
suffering from Alzheimer's disease, or if an Alzheimer's diagnosis has already
been made, you have likely already spoken with a primary care physician – a
doctor you have known and trusted for a long time.
It's important to know that while all medical
doctors are able to perform the various tests and assessments associated with an
Alzheimer's diagnosis, there are some physicians who specialize in Alzheimer's.
Naturally, as with any aspect of medicine, doctors
who specialize in a particular disease may be more knowledgeable about the
newest research published and the most current Alzheimer's treatment options
available.
During the course of Alzheimer's disease, your
primary care physician may refer you to a specialist or you may opt to seek
additional opinions if there has not yet been an Alzheimer's diagnosis and you
are having difficulty obtaining one. Meeting with an Alzheimer's specialist may
also be a consideration when discussing Alzheimer's treatment options.
Types of Alzheimer's Specialists
Alzheimer's specialists may be geriatricians,
neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and other senior healthcare
professionals with expertise in Alzheimer's disease.
Geriatricians are physicians who specialize in the
care of older adults. Neurologists are physicians with specialty training in
diagnosis and treatment of people with Alzheimer's disease and related
conditions. Additionally, neurologists have experience with stroke, Parkinson's
disease, and other neurological disorders that cause dementia.
Psychiatrists have experience with depression,
psychosis, and other psychiatric disorders. Additionally, geriatric
psychiatrists have experience treating behavioral symptoms associated with
Alzheimer's (agitation, depression, hallucinations, combative behaviors, etc.)
Both types of psychiatric specialists should be able to provide an evaluation,
arrange for necessary testing, and prescribe Alzheimer's medications.
Clinical Neuropsychologists are PhDs who are trained
to provide detailed measurements of memory and other intellectual abilities. A
neuropsychological evaluation may be needed to clarify if there is memory loss,
depression, or other problems; information that may be useful for diagnosis,
planning for Alzheimer's care, and for monitoring responses to treatments.
Seeking the advice of an Alzheimer's specialist
doesn't mean you can no longer see your current physician. Feeling comfortable
with the doctor is important when dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Regardless
of which doctor makes an Alzheimer's diagnosis or prescribes medication, your
primary care physician can continue to work with you to manage care of
Alzheimer's disease.
