Full Answer
What kind of Doctor treats dementia?
“Those doctors with the most expertise to help brain causes of dementia are usually neurologists. However, psychiatrists, geriatricians and some primary care providers have the knowledge to diagnose and treat these conditions.” Early Signs of Dementia. ]
Why choose UConn Health's Department of Neurology?
UConn Health's Department of Neurology provides a wide array of clinical services and subspecialties that combine the best of medical evidence and cutting edge technology to provide patient centered care and peace of mind for your family.
Why choose UConn Health specialty pharmacy for peripheral neuropathy?
Our neuromuscular specialists working within the Peripheral Nerve Program take a patient-centered, comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy. The UConn Health Specialty Pharmacy can fill any specialty medications prescribed to you by your health care team.
Can dementia be treated?
While dementia is irreversible, there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease, Kristinsson says. “Treatment of dementia depends on the type (of dementia) in addition to where the patient is in the disease process.” Some treatments focus on helping patients adjust to their current level of functioning.
What kind of doctor do you see for dementia diagnosis?
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.
What type of doctor handles dementia and Alzheimer's?
Neurologist or memory disorder specialist 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.
What kind of doctor evaluates Alzheimer's?
To diagnose Alzheimer's dementia, your primary doctor, a doctor trained in brain conditions (neurologist) or a doctor trained to treat older adults (geriatrician) will review your medical history, medication history and your symptoms. Your doctor will also conduct several tests.
Is dementia treated by psychiatrists?
General neurologists and psychiatrists perform memory evaluations, but do not specialize in Alzheimer's and may treat few people with dementia.
What does a neurologist do for dementia?
Neurologists are trained to detect subtleties of the brain that cause memory problems. Only they can conduct a thorough neurological exam and recommend subsequent treatment for brain disorders such as Alzheimer's.
What kind of doctor treats the memory?
You might be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician.
How do you get evaluated for dementia?
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination. He or she will likely ask someone close to you about your symptoms as well. No single test can diagnose dementia, so doctors are likely to run a number of tests that can help pinpoint the problem.
What is the clock test for dementia?
The clock-drawing test is a quick way to screen for early dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It involves drawing a clock on a piece of paper with numbers, clock hands, and a specific time. The inability to do so is a strong indication of mental decline.
Can a psychologist diagnose dementia?
Psychologists work to assess, diagnose, treat and support individuals with dementia and lighten the burden on their families.
Should I see a psychiatrist or neurologist?
Neurologists and psychiatrists both work with conditions and diseases that affect the brain and mind. However, neurologists specialize in physiological illnesses, while psychiatrists specialize in psychological disorders.
What is the difference between a neurologist and a psychologist?
The neurologist is a physician that uses drugs and rehabilitation procedures to treat brain and spine diseases. The psychologist is not a physician and is trained to assess and treat without drugs, psychological dysfunctions in people with or without nervous system illnesses.
How can a psychologist help someone with dementia?
Psychologists are able to recognise coping styles and have been trained to help people build on them. Pre-assessment counselling can also help to identify people who may find dementia particularly challenging, and would find specialist psychological support helpful in the process of adjustment.
What is dementia in psychology?
What is Dementia? Dementia is a loss of intellectual function (thinking, remembering, and reasoning) so severe that it interferes with an individual’s daily functioning and eventually results in death.
When was Alzheimer's first diagnosed?
The disease was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906. Since then, researchers have developed a deeper understanding of the changes in the brain (plaques and tangles) and behavioral changes that characterize the disease. Medical professionals do their best to diagnose people with Alzheimer’s disease using assessment tools such as questionnaires and imaging, however, Alzheimer’s disease cannot be definitively diagnosed until an autopsy is performed.
What is the disease that causes involuntary movement of limbs and facial muscles?
Huntington's. Huntington’s disease is an inherited, degenerative brain disease that causes both physical and mental disabilities and usually begins in mid-life. The symptoms vary from case to case, and may include involuntary movement of limbs and facial muscles, depression, personality changes, memory problems, slurred speech and impaired judgment.
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior. AD is the fourth leading cause of death in adults, after heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Men and women are affected almost equally.
Is aducanumab safe for Alzheimer's?
Recently the FDA approved aducanumab (Aduhelm®) for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer’s disease. Whether this medicine is appropriate for you or your family member depends on many individual factors, and physicians with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease are available for consultation. Learn more.
Can you diagnose Alzheimer's disease with an autopsy?
Medical professionals do their best to diagnose people with Alzheimer’s disease using assessment tools such as questionnaires and imaging, however, Alzheimer’s disease cannot be definitively diagnosed until an autopsy is performed.
Can Huntington's disease be stopped?
Today a genetic test is available to confirm a diagnosis of Huntington’s and to identify carriers of the Huntington gene. There is no treatment to stop the progression of Huntington’s, but the movement disturbances and psychiatric symptoms can be treated with medication.
Welcome to Possible
UConn Health's Department of Neurology provides a wide array of clinical services and subspecialties that combine the best of medical evidence and cutting edge technology to provide patient centered care and peace of mind for your family.
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Our neuromuscular specialists working within the Peripheral Nerve Program take a patient-centered, comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
Specialty Pharmacy
The UConn Health Specialty Pharmacy can fill any specialty medications prescribed to you by your health care team.
How to help dementia patients with confusion?
Simplifying tasks. Break tasks into easier steps and focus on success, not failure. Structure and routine also help reduce confusion in people with dementia.
What scans show Alzheimer's disease?
CT or MRI. These scans can check for evidence of stroke or bleeding or tumor or hydrocephalus. PET scans. These can show patterns of brain activity and whether the amyloid or tau protein, hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, have been deposited in the brain.
How to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
Some research also shows that physical activity might slow the progression of impaired thinking in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it can lessen symptoms of depression. Engage in activity. Plan activities the person with dementia enjoys and can do.
How to help a loved one remember upcoming events?
Keep a calendar . A calendar might help your loved one remember upcoming events, daily activities and medication schedules. Consider sharing a calendar with your loved one. Plan for the future. Develop a plan with your loved one while he or she is able to participate that identifies goals for future care.
What tests can be done to determine if a person has a degenerative disease?
Laboratory tests. Simple blood tests can detect physical problems that can affect brain function, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid gland. Sometimes the spinal fluid is examined for infection, inflammation or markers of some degenerative diseases.
What does a doctor do for a physical?
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination. He or she will likely ask someone close to you about your symptoms as well.
Does Mayo Clinic help with dementia?
Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your dementia- related health concerns Start Here
What to do if you have dementia?
They will perform a physical exam and discuss your symptoms, and assess your mental status. Your doctor may order tests to determine if there is a physical cause for your symptoms, ...
How to diagnose dementia?
There is no blood test for dementia. This condition is diagnosed with: 1 tests that determine your cognitive ability 2 neurological evaluation 3 brain scan 4 lab tests to rule out a physical basis of your symptoms 5 mental health evaluations to be certain that your symptoms are not caused by a condition such as depression
What is a geriatrician?
Geriatricians manage health care for older adults. They know how the body changes as it ages and whether symptoms indicate a serious problem.
What are some examples of memory clinics?
Memory clinics and centers. Memory clinics and centers, such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers, have teams of specialists who work together to diagnose the problem. For example, a geriatrician can look at your general health, a neuropsychologist can test your thinking and memory, and a neurologist can use scanning technology ...
How to deal with dementia in family?
Make sure arrangements are made for your ongoing care, and take care of yourself. Stay physically active and involved with others. Let someone you trust help with decision-making and responsibilities. It is also frightening if a family member is diagnosed with dementia. You, too, should talk about your feelings.
What is the specialty of a neurologist?
Neurologists specialize in abnormalities of the brain and central nervous system. They can conduct testing of the nervous system as well as review and interpret brain scans. Neuropsychologists conduct tests related to memory and thinking.
How to contact Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center?
If not, you can contact the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center for help by calling 800-438-4380.
How many cases of dementia are diagnosed?
Because of the thoroughness of the diagnostic process, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that physicians accurately identify dementia in about 90 percent of cases. But it’s important to remember that memory problems are not always caused by dementia, and dementia is not only about memory problems.
What is the next step for a person with dementia?
If you or your loved one are having issues with cognition or were diagnosed with dementia, the next step is seeing a neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer’s and related dementi as. If your primary care doctor doesn’t suggest this, go ahead and ask them to refer you to one. You can check with your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for a list of neurologists who focus on dementia or you can call the neurologists’ offices to ask.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind during the process of dementia diagnosis?
One of the most important things to keep in mind throughout this process is feeling comfortable with each physician. A dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing upheaval for individuals and families. It’s crucial to work with doctors who know how to communicate well and offer empathy and respect as the disease progresses.
What is the process of diagnosing cognitive changes?
This process generally includes getting a thorough medical history, testing mental status, physical and neurological exams, blood tests and brain imaging.
Is there a cure for dementia?
Understanding and anticipating these can make a major difference for the person living with the diagnosis. While there is no cure for dementia, some of the available medications can temporarily slow the progression of symptoms and may help people living with the disease have a higher quality of life for longer.
Can a neurologist diagnose Alzheimer's?
A neurologist should be able to identify whether it is Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. This is crucial information because different types of dementia have different progression rates, ways that symptoms appear, care partnering considerations and treatments. Understanding and anticipating these can make a major difference for the person living with the diagnosis. While there is no cure for dementia, some of the available medications can temporarily slow the progression of symptoms and may help people living with the disease have a higher quality of life for longer.
What is the goal of the UConn Center on Aging?
The researchers hope to test the ability of diabetes drug metformin to slow development of aging-related conditions such as cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases.
Does tamsulosin cause dementia?
Tamsulosin, a medication prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), may increase the risk of dementia in men a ges 65 or older, a recent UConn study published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety found. The risk of developing dementia increased by as much as 17 percent when compared to similar patients who were not taking any medication to treat BPH. According to Dr. Helen Wu of the Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science and UConn Health, tamsulosin may also quicken the decline of those with early memory loss.