Dementia Therapists in North York, ON
She has held various hospital-based positions including director of a memory rehabilitation program & consultant neuropsychologist.
Dr. Eva Svoboda is a co-founding psychologist at Toronto Brain Health. She has significant experience treating individuals with persistent symptoms following concussion (e.g., headaches, sleep problems, low stress tolerance, anxiety, irritability, low mood, noise/light sensitivity), providing rehabilitation to those with acquired brain injury (e.g., stroke, brain tumor, epilepsy), and therapy for personal development, anxiety, stress, insomnia, chronic pain, depression, OCD & trauma. Her approach is compassionate and client-centered. Her treatment is informed by research in neuroscience, rehabilitation & psychological therapy.
She has held various hospital-based positions including director of a memory rehabilitation program & consultant neuropsychologist.
Dr. Eva Svoboda is a co-founding psychologist at Toronto Brain Health. She has significant experience treating individuals with persistent symptoms following concussion (e.g., headaches, sleep problems, low stress tolerance, anxiety, irritability, low mood, noise/light sensitivity), providing rehabilitation to those with acquired brain injury (e.g., stroke, brain tumor, epilepsy), and therapy for personal development, anxiety, stress, insomnia, chronic pain, depression, OCD & trauma. Her approach is compassionate and client-centered. Her treatment is informed by research in neuroscience, rehabilitation & psychological therapy.
Stephanie Muskat
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M3H
Waitlist for new clients
I have 10+ years of experience working with clients experiencing sudden shifts and transitions in life resulting in significant overwhelm, relational changes, sadness, stress, grief and anxiety. I additionally have extensive experience working with caregivers and their loved ones experiencing diagnoses and prognoses of all types including: dementia (Alzheimer’s, FTD, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia), traumatic brain injuries, anoxic brain injuries, mental health diagnoses, cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, paraplegia and physical changes impacting overall functioning and quality of life.
I have 10+ years of experience working with clients experiencing sudden shifts and transitions in life resulting in significant overwhelm, relational changes, sadness, stress, grief and anxiety. I additionally have extensive experience working with caregivers and their loved ones experiencing diagnoses and prognoses of all types including: dementia (Alzheimer’s, FTD, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia), traumatic brain injuries, anoxic brain injuries, mental health diagnoses, cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, paraplegia and physical changes impacting overall functioning and quality of life.
KovenCounselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2P (Online Only)
Whether the issues are end-of-life planning, parenting our parents, chronic illness, dementia/alzheimer's, betrayal, estrangement, job loss, miscarriage, divorce, sudden, complicated or unexpected death, aging and transitions, or empty-nesting, we experience many similar reactions to loss. Fatigue, depression, anxiety, worry, guilt, and anger are just some of the manifestations. Trouble sleeping and self medicating with food, drugs or alcohol, even suicide seems like an alternative to the pain we carry around with us. I provide culturally sensitive counselling to a diverse community.Together we can create a more meaningful life, filled with truth, joy and love.
Whether the issues are end-of-life planning, parenting our parents, chronic illness, dementia/alzheimer's, betrayal, estrangement, job loss, miscarriage, divorce, sudden, complicated or unexpected death, aging and transitions, or empty-nesting, we experience many similar reactions to loss. Fatigue, depression, anxiety, worry, guilt, and anger are just some of the manifestations. Trouble sleeping and self medicating with food, drugs or alcohol, even suicide seems like an alternative to the pain we carry around with us. I provide culturally sensitive counselling to a diverse community.Together we can create a more meaningful life, filled with truth, joy and love.
Lisa Sutherland
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M6A
I have extensive experience supporting folks through life transitions, general anxiety & depression, dementia support, and HIV/AIDS.
Accepting new clients! Anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss, and grief all impact who we are, how we feel about ourselves, and our overall wellbeing. I am a Registered Social Worker (BSW, MSW) with 15 years of experience working with adults and seniors. I work primarily from a Solution Focused Therapy and Coaching approach. I use aspects of Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.
I have extensive experience supporting folks through life transitions, general anxiety & depression, dementia support, and HIV/AIDS.
Accepting new clients! Anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss, and grief all impact who we are, how we feel about ourselves, and our overall wellbeing. I am a Registered Social Worker (BSW, MSW) with 15 years of experience working with adults and seniors. I work primarily from a Solution Focused Therapy and Coaching approach. I use aspects of Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.
Coming from a humanistic perspective, I'm interested in helping people who are on a journey towards self- discovery. They are interested in better understanding themselves and the problems they face. They are open to challenging themselves and working collaboratively to address any concerns they may have.
Coming from a humanistic perspective, I'm interested in helping people who are on a journey towards self- discovery. They are interested in better understanding themselves and the problems they face. They are open to challenging themselves and working collaboratively to address any concerns they may have.
Wait List / Drop in on Saturday - LGBTQ2SIA+ Positive Space. Mindfulness-based EMDR, ACT, AEDP, Sandplay therapy (Experiential, Relational, Trauma-informed and Attachment, Somatic focused. Eco Spirituality integrated) The sustainable restoration of self-healing force and flourishing is important in my practice. Recent Training: Somatic Experience (SE) & Sex Therapy. Integral Somatic Psychology, Intrapersonal Neuro Biology (Dr. Sigel) Speaking English, Japanese, Korean. Lived in Tokyo, London.-UK. Seoul.
Wait List / Drop in on Saturday - LGBTQ2SIA+ Positive Space. Mindfulness-based EMDR, ACT, AEDP, Sandplay therapy (Experiential, Relational, Trauma-informed and Attachment, Somatic focused. Eco Spirituality integrated) The sustainable restoration of self-healing force and flourishing is important in my practice. Recent Training: Somatic Experience (SE) & Sex Therapy. Integral Somatic Psychology, Intrapersonal Neuro Biology (Dr. Sigel) Speaking English, Japanese, Korean. Lived in Tokyo, London.-UK. Seoul.
My ideal client is willing to engage in self-reflection, explore the deeper existential issues related to his/her predicament, and discover the pathways of actualizing his/her potential and dream. Such a client can be a new college graduate struggling for a better understanding of her self-identity or a senior questioning his life's meaning. The issues I am best suited to addressing are both the dark sides of the human condition-such as depression, anxiety, anger, loss, suffering, and death-and the bright sides of personal growth and flourishing.
My ideal client is willing to engage in self-reflection, explore the deeper existential issues related to his/her predicament, and discover the pathways of actualizing his/her potential and dream. Such a client can be a new college graduate struggling for a better understanding of her self-identity or a senior questioning his life's meaning. The issues I am best suited to addressing are both the dark sides of the human condition-such as depression, anxiety, anger, loss, suffering, and death-and the bright sides of personal growth and flourishing.
Monika Georgieva
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
North York, ON M3A (Online Only)
Life presents us all with challenges and I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the opportunity to heal and grow. There are many paths to healing and growth, and my experiences have taught me that they are possible through authenticity, acknowledgement, and connection. If you are struggling or feeling stuck or uncertain on your path to healing and growth, please know that therapy can help you move through the ups and downs of this journey.
Life presents us all with challenges and I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the opportunity to heal and grow. There are many paths to healing and growth, and my experiences have taught me that they are possible through authenticity, acknowledgement, and connection. If you are struggling or feeling stuck or uncertain on your path to healing and growth, please know that therapy can help you move through the ups and downs of this journey.
I specialize working with young adults and seniors. As a therapist, my goal is to make sure you are provided with a comfortable and empathetic environment, built on trust and transparency. I use a collaborative therapeutic approach, and I work with you to develop an action plan; integrating evidence-based practices that suit your needs. Therapy is not a “one-size-fits-all” method, and so working together to find what works best is key.
I specialize working with young adults and seniors. As a therapist, my goal is to make sure you are provided with a comfortable and empathetic environment, built on trust and transparency. I use a collaborative therapeutic approach, and I work with you to develop an action plan; integrating evidence-based practices that suit your needs. Therapy is not a “one-size-fits-all” method, and so working together to find what works best is key.
Vivian Nho
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MSc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North York, ON M6A
You have experienced life in a unique way that no one could understand better than you. I enjoy the challenge of understanding reality through the eyes of another. Whether you are struggling with depression, apathy, ADHD, chronic isolation, chronic cannabis use, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, substance or behavioral addictions, complex trauma, your job (or lack thereof), narcissistic abuse, or existential angst, I am here to listen and support you in achieving your goals. I foster healing, empowerment, and growth through compassion, collaboration and insight. The rocky path to self-actualization does not have to be walked alone.
You have experienced life in a unique way that no one could understand better than you. I enjoy the challenge of understanding reality through the eyes of another. Whether you are struggling with depression, apathy, ADHD, chronic isolation, chronic cannabis use, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, substance or behavioral addictions, complex trauma, your job (or lack thereof), narcissistic abuse, or existential angst, I am here to listen and support you in achieving your goals. I foster healing, empowerment, and growth through compassion, collaboration and insight. The rocky path to self-actualization does not have to be walked alone.
Asanda Cheung
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS, RP, SCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2J
You deserve an opportunity to heal and grow! Up and downs are normal in your life. You will experience a relational setting in which you will be in a safe and secure environment where you will be accepted and listened to with compassion and respect. You will be invited to explore and face the current challenges in your life. You will be encouraged to become more aware of the circumstances that have shaped your present life situation. You will find support to learn coping strategies to deal with and resolve the difficult issues you are facing.
You deserve an opportunity to heal and grow! Up and downs are normal in your life. You will experience a relational setting in which you will be in a safe and secure environment where you will be accepted and listened to with compassion and respect. You will be invited to explore and face the current challenges in your life. You will be encouraged to become more aware of the circumstances that have shaped your present life situation. You will find support to learn coping strategies to deal with and resolve the difficult issues you are facing.
15 Second Videos
Stephanie Muskat
Lisa Sutherland
Josh Kline
Paul T P Wong
Vivian Nho
Vivienne Wit
Marlen Iskander
Henry Wong
Shelley Jones
Centre of the HeART Art & Somatic Therapy
Karen Freud, Psychotherapy | Art Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, DTATI, RCAT, OATR, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M6B
You have a strong sense of responsibility and a tendency to set high standards for yourself. You have fantastic qualities, but don't always recognize them. Others see you as confident, calm and composed. Only you (and maybe those who are close to you) are aware that you struggle with anxiety and that you tend to overthink & worry, focusing on pleasing others rather than yourself. You are feeling the impact of anxiety and are in need of support to help with coping, self-compassion, setting boundaries and tending to your own needs and self-care.
You have a strong sense of responsibility and a tendency to set high standards for yourself. You have fantastic qualities, but don't always recognize them. Others see you as confident, calm and composed. Only you (and maybe those who are close to you) are aware that you struggle with anxiety and that you tend to overthink & worry, focusing on pleasing others rather than yourself. You are feeling the impact of anxiety and are in need of support to help with coping, self-compassion, setting boundaries and tending to your own needs and self-care.
Wendy Mae Kirk
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP, CIT, RLT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North York, ON M3A
I am a Sex Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Imago Therapist and Relational Life Therapist. I have been working with clients of various ages since 1996, providing support, direction, helping them make good decisions for their lives, as well as helping them heal from painful experiences in the past. I design a personalized, bespoke program of therapy, tailored to each person's individual needs. I work with clients that want to move forward into a healthier way of living, relating and becoming the best that they can be. I have personal experience with spoon therapy. For more information, please visit my website.
I am a Sex Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Imago Therapist and Relational Life Therapist. I have been working with clients of various ages since 1996, providing support, direction, helping them make good decisions for their lives, as well as helping them heal from painful experiences in the past. I design a personalized, bespoke program of therapy, tailored to each person's individual needs. I work with clients that want to move forward into a healthier way of living, relating and becoming the best that they can be. I have personal experience with spoon therapy. For more information, please visit my website.
Dharshana Jayapathy
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist , MSW, BSW, BA, RSW
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2K (Online Only)
As a compassionate therapist using a client-centered approach, I create a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space for youth, adults, seniors, caregivers, and students to develop the insights, skills, and experiences needed to overcome challenges and make positive changes that last. Using a trauma-informed lens, I work from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based framework; my treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness approaches.
As a compassionate therapist using a client-centered approach, I create a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space for youth, adults, seniors, caregivers, and students to develop the insights, skills, and experiences needed to overcome challenges and make positive changes that last. Using a trauma-informed lens, I work from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based framework; my treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness approaches.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by worry? From thoughts of the past, to uncertainty about your future, these anxious feelings can spill over into your relationships, making life worse. You may feel stuck, avoiding certain situations that could bring on a pounding heart, breaking out in a sweat, or feeling like you can’t breathe. With support, you can learn new ways to move through your day-to-day life. I bring 15+ years to helping young adults who are struggling with anxiety regain a sense of peace and confidence. Together, we can help you take the hopeful, healing steps toward the life you want to live.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by worry? From thoughts of the past, to uncertainty about your future, these anxious feelings can spill over into your relationships, making life worse. You may feel stuck, avoiding certain situations that could bring on a pounding heart, breaking out in a sweat, or feeling like you can’t breathe. With support, you can learn new ways to move through your day-to-day life. I bring 15+ years to helping young adults who are struggling with anxiety regain a sense of peace and confidence. Together, we can help you take the hopeful, healing steps toward the life you want to live.
Homaira Ghazvini Nejad- Rp (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North York, ON M2J
Happiness is a direction, not a place. I am experienced in providing counselling services for individuals, families and couples with anxiety, OCD, anger, depression, bereavement (grief) and PTSD issues. I can help the clients to learn or improve their communication skills, and marital conflict solution strategies. Pre-marriage and marriage, infidelity, and divorce counselling services are provided. Play therapy will be provided for children with behavioural problems.
Happiness is a direction, not a place. I am experienced in providing counselling services for individuals, families and couples with anxiety, OCD, anger, depression, bereavement (grief) and PTSD issues. I can help the clients to learn or improve their communication skills, and marital conflict solution strategies. Pre-marriage and marriage, infidelity, and divorce counselling services are provided. Play therapy will be provided for children with behavioural problems.
Elena Darmos
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MSc, PhD, RP (Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2H
Do you feel that you are living for others? Are you emotionally and physically burnt out from being a caregiver? Caregiver stress can result in depression, anger, anxiety, grief, isolation and can even manifest in physical illness. Caring for your own emotional and physical well-being is just as important as supporting your loved ones. I can help to relieve your mental burden so that you can continue supporting others.
Do you feel that you are living for others? Are you emotionally and physically burnt out from being a caregiver? Caregiver stress can result in depression, anger, anxiety, grief, isolation and can even manifest in physical illness. Caring for your own emotional and physical well-being is just as important as supporting your loved ones. I can help to relieve your mental burden so that you can continue supporting others.
Tami Hendel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Verified Verified
North York, ON M5M (Online Only)
Are you someone who is yearning to become their best selves in a safe, judgement-free environment. Sometimes it is important to feel heard and understood. I provide safety by creating a warm and emotionally engaged relationship where you are valued and respected. When dealing with overwhelming emotions, I want you to feel seen, heard and understood. I want to work with you to discover how past experiences have shaped who you are now. If you want help in leading you to self-discovery, I believe we all have the potential to make something constructive and meaningful with our life.
Are you someone who is yearning to become their best selves in a safe, judgement-free environment. Sometimes it is important to feel heard and understood. I provide safety by creating a warm and emotionally engaged relationship where you are valued and respected. When dealing with overwhelming emotions, I want you to feel seen, heard and understood. I want to work with you to discover how past experiences have shaped who you are now. If you want help in leading you to self-discovery, I believe we all have the potential to make something constructive and meaningful with our life.
***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** When our thoughts get the better of us and we feel overwhelmed, I believe there is always hope to reach the peace for which we all yearn. Through psychotherapy, I support clients struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, identity, and relationships. We all have times when we aren’t sure where we stand in our lives and with others, so I offer a safe and welcoming space where clients can express and find themselves. We are complex individuals with our own unique stories made up of our experiences. Therapy is an empowering space where we can explore these without judgment.
***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** When our thoughts get the better of us and we feel overwhelmed, I believe there is always hope to reach the peace for which we all yearn. Through psychotherapy, I support clients struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, identity, and relationships. We all have times when we aren’t sure where we stand in our lives and with others, so I offer a safe and welcoming space where clients can express and find themselves. We are complex individuals with our own unique stories made up of our experiences. Therapy is an empowering space where we can explore these without judgment.
Marni Bleeman
Occupational Therapist, OT Reg, (Ont)
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2L (Online Only)
I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health supporting people with depression and anxiety. I help individuals develop skills to become more assertive, build self-esteem and manage emotions such as anxiety, low mood, anger, and cope with the ups and downs of loss.
I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health supporting people with depression and anxiety. I help individuals develop skills to become more assertive, build self-esteem and manage emotions such as anxiety, low mood, anger, and cope with the ups and downs of loss.
Accepting NEW patients! I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I provide counselling to children, youth and adults via secure video and phone calls. I view mental health as a cardiologist views heart health – a vital part of living! I am passionate about healing and helping you live your best life. I enjoy working with individuals with concerns related to any life challenges experienced that prevent you from living your best life, including: trauma, attachment, addiction, grief, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD and psychosis. I also work with a team of therapists, dietitians and naturopaths.
Accepting NEW patients! I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I provide counselling to children, youth and adults via secure video and phone calls. I view mental health as a cardiologist views heart health – a vital part of living! I am passionate about healing and helping you live your best life. I enjoy working with individuals with concerns related to any life challenges experienced that prevent you from living your best life, including: trauma, attachment, addiction, grief, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD and psychosis. I also work with a team of therapists, dietitians and naturopaths.
Sharmarke Dualeh
Registered Psychotherapist, BA Hons, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M3M
In my experience working in the mental health sector for the last 5 years, therapy is often sought after someone has suffered long enough or until the symptoms become unmanageable. It is my hope that as we continue to de-stigmatize mental health more people can feel comfortable utilizing this valuable service as a preventative measure and not as a last resort. My approach as a therapist is simple: helping others increase awareness and insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I believe through careful introspection and analysis we can reach a level of compassion and acceptance for ourselves and others.
In my experience working in the mental health sector for the last 5 years, therapy is often sought after someone has suffered long enough or until the symptoms become unmanageable. It is my hope that as we continue to de-stigmatize mental health more people can feel comfortable utilizing this valuable service as a preventative measure and not as a last resort. My approach as a therapist is simple: helping others increase awareness and insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I believe through careful introspection and analysis we can reach a level of compassion and acceptance for ourselves and others.
30 years of experience working with children ages 5-25 years. I am honest, calm, fair, and a nonjudgmental therapist able to create real and meaningful relationships with children, youth, and their parents. I am a caring, fair, and a results-oriented type of person. I enjoy building a relationship that is honest, fair, empathetic, and positive for my clients because I firmly believe that it is through a supportive and non-judgmental relationship that the healing begins and therapeutic results are delivered. My goal is to help the child heal and learn how to cope with their thoughts and emotions
30 years of experience working with children ages 5-25 years. I am honest, calm, fair, and a nonjudgmental therapist able to create real and meaningful relationships with children, youth, and their parents. I am a caring, fair, and a results-oriented type of person. I enjoy building a relationship that is honest, fair, empathetic, and positive for my clients because I firmly believe that it is through a supportive and non-judgmental relationship that the healing begins and therapeutic results are delivered. My goal is to help the child heal and learn how to cope with their thoughts and emotions
ThoughtWorks Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
North York, ON M4G
NO Waitlist - Next Day Appointments - Book at thoughtworkstherapy.janeapp.com and get matched with a specialized psychotherapist - prices range from $100-$185 - As we go through life, it is normal to encounter difficulties but it is the choices we make during these difficult times that define who we are and lead us on new paths. Our role with you is to help reduce the fog on your journey to help you find your path towards happiness and help support you using empirically proven psychological methods. We provide a safe nonjudgmental place where you can allow yourself to be vulnerable and work through any of the obstacles in your way.
NO Waitlist - Next Day Appointments - Book at thoughtworkstherapy.janeapp.com and get matched with a specialized psychotherapist - prices range from $100-$185 - As we go through life, it is normal to encounter difficulties but it is the choices we make during these difficult times that define who we are and lead us on new paths. Our role with you is to help reduce the fog on your journey to help you find your path towards happiness and help support you using empirically proven psychological methods. We provide a safe nonjudgmental place where you can allow yourself to be vulnerable and work through any of the obstacles in your way.
Blackcy Placidass
Registered Social Worker, HBA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
North York, ON M1L
In our life journeys, we often face challenges that keep us stuck in unhelpful thoughts, emotions, or behaviours. Past experiences and beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world can hinder our enjoyment of the present and our ability to envision a better future. Although we desire change, knowing how to achieve it can be uncertain. As a psychotherapist, my role is to facilitate your journey, providing guidance to overcome emotional and psychological roadblocks and empowering you to reach your personal goals.
In our life journeys, we often face challenges that keep us stuck in unhelpful thoughts, emotions, or behaviours. Past experiences and beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world can hinder our enjoyment of the present and our ability to envision a better future. Although we desire change, knowing how to achieve it can be uncertain. As a psychotherapist, my role is to facilitate your journey, providing guidance to overcome emotional and psychological roadblocks and empowering you to reach your personal goals.
See more therapy options for North York
Nearby Dementia Counsellors Searches for North York
- Ajax
- Aurora
- Brampton
- Etobicoke
- Markham
- Mississauga
- Pickering
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Toronto
- Vaughan
Dementia Counsellors
Can dementia patients benefit from counselling?
Dementia patients can often benefit significantly from counselling. While neurologists typically treat dementia itself, counsellors provide crucial emotional support for patients and their families. Therapists specializing in dementia can help clients navigate aging, end-of-life issues, social isolation, sleep challenges, and grief. They can also assist clients in adapting to the disease by addressing caregiving concerns and supporting family members. Counsellors will often also collaborate with a patient's neurologist or other medical providers to manage dementia symptoms and medication needs.
How can you tell if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's?
To determine if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, there are several signs and diagnostic methods that medical professionals use. Early signs of dementia often include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and challenges in completing familiar tasks. Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single definitive test, and initial diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as symptoms tend to worsen progressively over time. To make a diagnosis, medical professionals typically use a combination of methods, including standardized questionnaires and cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, psychiatric evaluations to understand mental health status, brain scans to look for physical changes in the brain, as well as other medical tests to rule out other conditions.
What are the first-line treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but catching the disease in its early-to-moderate phases can be beneficial in order to initiate first-line treatments to help manage symptoms. Medications such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are examples of cholinesterase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, working with a therapist or social worker can also often help patients with the disease address common behavioural and lifestyle concerns, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, social support, and housing changes.
When to seek treatment for Alzheimer’s?
It’s best to seek treatment at the first signs of Alzheimer's. Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or directions, as well as trouble concentrating, paying attention, retrieving words, and carrying out daily household tasks. An early diagnosis can help people slow the progression of the disease with medication and plan for the future in terms of housing, social/caregiving support, and finances.