Alzheimers Symptoms?
Who You See Matters

It is difficult enough when an elder complains of Alzheimers symptoms. Communication problems, denial and fear often contribute to delays in treatment that can drastically diminish life enjoyment and erode family relationships.

Once you get by these hurdles, to then obtain an incomplete medical evaluation and possibly an erroneous diagnosis and treatment plan is unthinkable.

But it happens

And it can be avoided.

Where to Start

Since care for Alzheimers symptoms is expensive, find out first what your insurance plan requires. If it is an HMO plan, you will have to get a referral to see a specialist. Most PPO plans do not require this, at least for some specialties.

Using the general categorical list of treatment providers below, ask about these and see if there are any in your plan’s network and what it takes to see one. If there is a non-network provider, find out what it would cost to see her. Remember, cost is important but it is one of many considerations you should weigh.

Do not get sidetracked at the information gathering stage by establishing priorities such as cost, distance away, etc. That comes later.

Your primary care doctor is also a great source of information. Since you are familiar, she may be the best person to spot Alzheimers symptoms (when another person observes them, they are called “signs”). And she is likely familiar with qualified specialists in your area to whom you may be referred.

On the other hand a primary care doctor may not be familiar with the many medical conditions that can affect your brain, or with the many possible tests that can rule possibilities in or out. Remember, they are trained as generalists, unless they choose to specialize further.

Essential Reading

These books will help the entire family navigate the sensitive communications around aging issues and the complex field of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in particular. They are "must" reads.

The chief psychiatrist at Duke University's Alzheimer's program and the lead social worker at Duke's dementia family counseling clinic present a practical and eye opening guide to avoiding, properly diagnosing and treating this disease.

Bestselling psychologist Mary Pipher, Ph.D provides helpful strategies for families to understand and then bridge the generational gaps that inevitably occur. Rather than say She just doesn't understand, read this book and communicate more effectively.

The Types of Specialists

Geriatricians

These are primary care internists or family practitioners who have chosen to specialize in elder health. They are a good portal for elder medical needs and monitoring, but generally do not specialize in memory or brain disorders. There may be some with a particular interest in dementia disorders, so ask about any interest, along with years of experience, affiliations, etc.

Geriatric Psychiatrists

They are specialists in mental and emotional concerns for those over 60. They provide examinations of memory, mood, sleep and thinking, and are an excellent resource when evaluating Alzheimers symptoms.

General Neurologists & Psychiatrists

They do perform memory evaluations but neither specializes in Alzheimer’s and may treat very few people with dementia.

Behavioral Neurologists

They specialize in cognitive problems such as memory loss. They perform thorough neurological and cognitive exams and are adept at detecting subtle brain injuries such as small strokes or infections that may be the cause of memory problems but which you believe are Alzheimers symptoms.

Other Specialists

These include Neuropsychologists (detailed memory testing), Radiologists or Nuclear Medicine doctors (brain scans) and Consulting Pharmacists ( harmful drug interactions). These generally require a referral as they are so specialized.

Who You See Matters

Remember that your possible Alzheimers symptoms are unique to you. Your age, stage of memory or learning problem and medical history should be considered. Subtle memory loss demands a different workup than that in an older person with obvious deficiencies.

Transportation, family involvement and personal comfort with certain medical venues such as clinics will also be factors.

Memory Centers

There are several varieties, but with good staffing and management these offer a quality option.

General Memory Clinics

These specialty programs generally offer the latest tests, are staffed with doctors from local universities and may offer the chance for you to participate in clinical trials at no expense or even for pay.

University Clinics

Staffed by researcher doctors and offering a team-oriented consultative approach.

Hospital Clinics

Generally have fewer checks and balances than their university counterparts, and doctors usually have private patients as well.

Private Memory Center

Could be any office that decides to call itself a memory center. Quality will depend on what credentials and experience back this up. Will likely not have the range of expertise available in the university clinics.

Return from Alzheimers Symptoms to Aging Home

© and TM, Positive Attitude Developments Inc.