What kind of doctor treats alzheimer

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Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. 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. 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. A GNP is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of older adults. GNPs may be well-versed in medication and behavioral issues related to Alzheimer's.

A geriatric psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders commonly affecting the older population. Geriatric psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's. Doctors diagnose AD by performing physical examinations, conducting tests, noting behavior changes, and assessing memory impairment.

There are many types of doctors who can diagnose and treat AD. This doctor can help with the following:. The primary care doctor can refer you to the right kind of specialists as needed for diagnosing and treating AD.

These may include the following:. Geriatricians are medical doctors who work with older adults. They know whether symptoms indicate a serious problem.

Geriatric psychiatrists specialize in mental and emotional problems of older adults. They can assess memory and thinking problems.

Geropsychologists specialize in the mental health needs of the elderly and their families. They can assess, intervene, and consult with you and other professionals regarding the care of a person with AD. Neurologists are physicians who focus on abnormalities of the brain and central nervous system.

They can conduct in-depth neurological examinations. Neuropsychologists generally perform tests of memory and thinking, as well as other tests, collectively referred to as neuropsychological testing. Neuropsychologists may also correlate test results with the results of neurological tests such as CT and MRI scans to help make a diagnosis. Tests often are done on-site, which can shorten the time required to make a diagnosis. Although not right for everyone, clinical trials may be an option.

A geriatric psychiatrist may be consulted to help manage behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. These symptoms include sleep problems, anxiety, agitation, paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and anger.

In general, geriatric psychiatrists are more focused on addressing specific symptoms than the long-term care of the disease.

A geropsychologist is a psychologist who provides counseling or therapy sessions to the geriatric population. Geropsychologists focus their practices on issues relevant to the psychological, emotional, sociological, neurological, physical, and mental health issues of the elderly.

Many older adults with dementia have anxiety and depression. A geropsychologist may work with an individual one-on-one, or with the family members separately or work with the family and patient together. These clinics offer a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to care. These centers also offer access to physical and occupational therapists and social services.

Your primary care doctor may be able to refer you to a memory clinic in your area. Many large hospitals and medical centers have memory disorder divisions. The ADRCs offer help with obtaining diagnosis and opportunities to volunteer to participate in clinical trials in addition to other services. Your primary care physician can help you assemble your healthcare team and refer you to specialists for further evaluation and treatment as needed.

The following are examples of questions you may want to ask your primary care doctor or any specialists you may see:.