Dementia Therapists in El Cerrito, CA
![Photo of Tom Van Vleet, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/741ad284-5af6-4d2a-863a-4e6ea88d8bb5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tom Van Vleet is a licensed neuropsychologist with expertise in cognitive rehabilitation & enhancement, neuropsychological assessment, and integrative psychotherapy. His treatment approach targets the cognitive and psychological challenges experienced by healthy adults, as well as individuals with progressive or acquired brain dysfunction (e.g., learning disability, ADHD, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's). Dr. Van Vleet is a subject matter expert and inventor of novel cognitive interventions (U.S. patents: 9,601,026; 9,308,445; 9,302,179) with 45+ peer reviewed publications in leading medical journals.
Dr. Tom Van Vleet is a licensed neuropsychologist with expertise in cognitive rehabilitation & enhancement, neuropsychological assessment, and integrative psychotherapy. His treatment approach targets the cognitive and psychological challenges experienced by healthy adults, as well as individuals with progressive or acquired brain dysfunction (e.g., learning disability, ADHD, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's). Dr. Van Vleet is a subject matter expert and inventor of novel cognitive interventions (U.S. patents: 9,601,026; 9,308,445; 9,302,179) with 45+ peer reviewed publications in leading medical journals.
![Photo of Nancy Sarah Rothschild, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f57ebb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Sarah Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Waitlist for new clients
As a long-time practitioner, my way of working has evolved from a more traditional dynamic approach to a deep interest in the bridge between mind/body spiritual traditions and contemporary psychology. I have much varied experience working with both men and women who struggle with the challenges of loneliness and living a conscious, fulfilling and spontaneous life. If you are feeling stressed, or if anxiety or depression have you wrestling with problems that never seem to resolve, perhaps it's time to turn for help to a compassionate and engaged therapist.
As a long-time practitioner, my way of working has evolved from a more traditional dynamic approach to a deep interest in the bridge between mind/body spiritual traditions and contemporary psychology. I have much varied experience working with both men and women who struggle with the challenges of loneliness and living a conscious, fulfilling and spontaneous life. If you are feeling stressed, or if anxiety or depression have you wrestling with problems that never seem to resolve, perhaps it's time to turn for help to a compassionate and engaged therapist.
![Photo of Gina Murrell, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf93be9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Fearful of change or feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job or relationship? Tired of not being able to figure out what to do differently? Or perhaps someone close to you suggested that you seek help. Given the pace and complexities of our world and our lives in it, it would be an exception not to experience these stresses. I draw on therapeutic approaches that will focus on the strengths that you bring coupled with the most effective treatment for your particular set of challenges. Beginning therapy and choosing a therapist may be overwhelming. I can help you navigate this.
Fearful of change or feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job or relationship? Tired of not being able to figure out what to do differently? Or perhaps someone close to you suggested that you seek help. Given the pace and complexities of our world and our lives in it, it would be an exception not to experience these stresses. I draw on therapeutic approaches that will focus on the strengths that you bring coupled with the most effective treatment for your particular set of challenges. Beginning therapy and choosing a therapist may be overwhelming. I can help you navigate this.
![Photo of Susan Bolea, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b692dae-afad-4f55-b84b-6aa1f4359d3b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
Do you find yourself at a crossroads, with recent events or longstanding issues to sort through and understand? Are you experiencing a challenged relationship, a sadness lingering from Covid isolation, anxieties, a shake up of self esteem, or a desire to re-calibrate life/career goals? What do you want to release and what to retain as learning? I offer compassionate, supportive, resourceful, pragmatic collaboration to help you balance these awarenesses. Together, we will set achievable goals and reclaim your resources within, so that you, and your relationships can move forward in a positive way.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Michael Debellis, PsyD, ABN, FACPN, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43dea923-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. DeBellis is a licensed clinical psychologist who is board certified in neuropsychology. He completed his internship at UC Davis Medical Center. He trains students at U.C. Davis Medical Center, Sonoma State University and the Wright Institute. He is also the educational chair for Sutter Mills Peninsula Department of Psychiatry. He specializes in treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury, dementia, stroke and other acquired brain injury. His focus is on the relationship between brain changes and cognitive and emotional functioning.
Dr. DeBellis is a licensed clinical psychologist who is board certified in neuropsychology. He completed his internship at UC Davis Medical Center. He trains students at U.C. Davis Medical Center, Sonoma State University and the Wright Institute. He is also the educational chair for Sutter Mills Peninsula Department of Psychiatry. He specializes in treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury, dementia, stroke and other acquired brain injury. His focus is on the relationship between brain changes and cognitive and emotional functioning.
![Photo of Dr. Meena Saleh, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1827c217-ce2a-4f0a-83bb-6d18cbaadaab/1/320x400.png)
I provide neuropsychological evaluations (testing) to adults with cognitive concerns, such as difficulty with memory, attention, multitasking, "slowing down," or changes in language or personality. I investigate neurological and/or psychiatric factors that may contribute to someone's condition. These evaluations allow for more precise diagnoses and prognoses (what to expect in the future). I provide services in English or Persian (Farsi), and I am well-experienced in working with professional translators for assessment in other languages (for example, Spanish or Cantonese).
I provide neuropsychological evaluations (testing) to adults with cognitive concerns, such as difficulty with memory, attention, multitasking, "slowing down," or changes in language or personality. I investigate neurological and/or psychiatric factors that may contribute to someone's condition. These evaluations allow for more precise diagnoses and prognoses (what to expect in the future). I provide services in English or Persian (Farsi), and I am well-experienced in working with professional translators for assessment in other languages (for example, Spanish or Cantonese).
![Photo of Diode De Dios, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ca78f9c-27b9-4ec9-a363-a658293f2895/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach and style work well with teens, adults, and older adults who may be experiencing the challenges of coping with other relationships, addictions, self-sabotage, life transitions, and death and dying.
My name is Diode de Dios, pronounced like "Jodi." I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, California, and working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, stress, grief, life transitions, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients make progress and feel better.
My approach and style work well with teens, adults, and older adults who may be experiencing the challenges of coping with other relationships, addictions, self-sabotage, life transitions, and death and dying.
My name is Diode de Dios, pronounced like "Jodi." I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, California, and working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, stress, grief, life transitions, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients make progress and feel better.
![Photo of Suzan Bollich - Suzan Bollich, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54ee3d22-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My psychotherapy practice is specialized in working with Adults, Older Adults, Couples, and Families who are seeking psychological help with Old/New trauma, Grief/Bereavement/Loss, living with Cancer, living with a Movement disorder (e.g., Parkinson disease), living with a Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), Aging, and Confronting End-of-Life. If you seek to confront the myriad concerns related to living with any of the above challenging situations, I will do that with you by exploring your particular situation and its inherent concerns. Concerns might include fear, anxiety, difficult decision-making, depression and despair.
My psychotherapy practice is specialized in working with Adults, Older Adults, Couples, and Families who are seeking psychological help with Old/New trauma, Grief/Bereavement/Loss, living with Cancer, living with a Movement disorder (e.g., Parkinson disease), living with a Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), Aging, and Confronting End-of-Life. If you seek to confront the myriad concerns related to living with any of the above challenging situations, I will do that with you by exploring your particular situation and its inherent concerns. Concerns might include fear, anxiety, difficult decision-making, depression and despair.
![Photo of Annie Brashem, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ff85eb6-9b93-4a64-a4c5-d95a967064b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
cancer, stroke, ALS, Parkinsons, dementia, MS, MD, heart or lung disease, injury) as well as with loved ones.
Coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma is one of life’s most difficult challenges. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
cancer, stroke, ALS, Parkinsons, dementia, MS, MD, heart or lung disease, injury) as well as with loved ones.
Coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma is one of life’s most difficult challenges. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
![Photo of Jan Chess, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b9dbfd2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am experienced in couples therapy and enjoy work with older adults.
Are you struggling with how childhood experiences, losses or trauma continues to influence your life? Are you discouraged at repeating difficult situations or find it hard to get out from under depression or anxiety? I'm glad to see how we can put our minds together to understand your dilemmas and see things differently. Change is possible no matter what your age or your life circumstances when you feel seen, accepted and appreciated for who you are and where you've been.
I am experienced in couples therapy and enjoy work with older adults.
Are you struggling with how childhood experiences, losses or trauma continues to influence your life? Are you discouraged at repeating difficult situations or find it hard to get out from under depression or anxiety? I'm glad to see how we can put our minds together to understand your dilemmas and see things differently. Change is possible no matter what your age or your life circumstances when you feel seen, accepted and appreciated for who you are and where you've been.
![Photo of Karen M Wall, EdD, MA, LMFTFT, RN-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87dcef2e-46ce-4049-b6a7-73799b3947f8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Karen M Wall
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, MA, LMFTFT, RN-BC
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94701 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Geriatric & dementia care are additional specialties.
My work focuses on exploring strengths and loveable qualities that can be called upon to help you be more unconditionally loving toward yourself and others. I believe in hearing your story, in your words, and having a collaborative relationship to find the answers you need for lasting wellness and recovery. I know you seek out therapy to get an unbiased collaboration, and in many cases a shared experience, to be able to find solutions to those problems that are interfering with your everyday life, including your safety. I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your journey to healing and peace.
Geriatric & dementia care are additional specialties.
My work focuses on exploring strengths and loveable qualities that can be called upon to help you be more unconditionally loving toward yourself and others. I believe in hearing your story, in your words, and having a collaborative relationship to find the answers you need for lasting wellness and recovery. I know you seek out therapy to get an unbiased collaboration, and in many cases a shared experience, to be able to find solutions to those problems that are interfering with your everyday life, including your safety. I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your journey to healing and peace.
![Photo of Adam Rochmes, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dfe3c14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also counsel persons diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and their family members and lead groups for caregivers, care receivers, and couples.
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in Berkeley, California. I specialize in adult counseling and psychotherapy, working collaboratively to guide clients in achieving greater psychological freedom and self-mastery through mindfulness and understanding. I earned degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley & have practiced for over 45 years.
I also counsel persons diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and their family members and lead groups for caregivers, care receivers, and couples.
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in Berkeley, California. I specialize in adult counseling and psychotherapy, working collaboratively to guide clients in achieving greater psychological freedom and self-mastery through mindfulness and understanding. I earned degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley & have practiced for over 45 years.
![Photo of Dr. Jeffrey Lawton, PsyD, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fe82db0-eed4-4c7b-9a61-4cd0e431c115/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jeffrey Lawton
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PsyD, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
I have a therapeutic style that is honest, empathetic, compassionate, and straightforward. Using clinically proven treatment methods via Teletherapy, I work holistically, leveraging a combination of treatments to address mental health concerns such as complex trauma, re-parenting, grief, addiction, PTSD, confidence, work/life balance, abuse, and sexual issues. I am also clinically interested in the study and offering of psychotherapy to those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. My expertise as a Nutritional Psychologist allows me to look at your needs holistically. www.drjeffreylawton.com
I have a therapeutic style that is honest, empathetic, compassionate, and straightforward. Using clinically proven treatment methods via Teletherapy, I work holistically, leveraging a combination of treatments to address mental health concerns such as complex trauma, re-parenting, grief, addiction, PTSD, confidence, work/life balance, abuse, and sexual issues. I am also clinically interested in the study and offering of psychotherapy to those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. My expertise as a Nutritional Psychologist allows me to look at your needs holistically. www.drjeffreylawton.com
![Photo of Jan Gabrielle Galinanes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c165e9f0-4393-40ec-9d12-436b29fb253f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an ATR-BC and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been licensed for over 5 years and have practiced mostly in California and via telehealth. I have experience working in schools, hospitals, outpatient/ inpatient, residential crisis programs, and fieldwork with many different cultures, seeing adults, children, and families struggling with, mental illness, grief and loss, serious medical/ psychiatric issues, trauma, death/dying, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, and a variety of other issues.
I am an ATR-BC and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been licensed for over 5 years and have practiced mostly in California and via telehealth. I have experience working in schools, hospitals, outpatient/ inpatient, residential crisis programs, and fieldwork with many different cultures, seeing adults, children, and families struggling with, mental illness, grief and loss, serious medical/ psychiatric issues, trauma, death/dying, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, and a variety of other issues.
![Photo of Monica Z. Nowakowski, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd192db-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Z. Nowakowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
With compassion and humor I provide a safe place for adults to get help with personal situations such as relationship/work stress, break-ups, retirement, chronic/ life-threatening illness and disability, depression, anxiety, dementia, care-giving of people of all ages, and "coming out". Life transitions have a common thread - loss, grief, and opportunity. Even joyful experiences can be difficult. You may feel stuck, out-of-control or have worrisome regrets and anxiety. You may feel "at a loss", you can't just "shake it off", or feel "it's taking a toll" on you.
With compassion and humor I provide a safe place for adults to get help with personal situations such as relationship/work stress, break-ups, retirement, chronic/ life-threatening illness and disability, depression, anxiety, dementia, care-giving of people of all ages, and "coming out". Life transitions have a common thread - loss, grief, and opportunity. Even joyful experiences can be difficult. You may feel stuck, out-of-control or have worrisome regrets and anxiety. You may feel "at a loss", you can't just "shake it off", or feel "it's taking a toll" on you.
![Photo of Andreea Simon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de9279f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My background includes in-depth work with both an aging population (subspecialty in serving clients and families coming to terms with dementia) and elementary- and high-school age children and their families.
Choosing a therapist and beginning therapy isn't easy. The first step is recognizing the feeling that you don't want to be alone in working on your challenges. My commitment is to help you find out whether I might be a good match as your therapist, and to be your guide in the process of getting support. I work particularly well with anyone who is negotiating difficult life cycle transitions--from challenges of beginning school, moving or dealing with loss to the strains of adolescence, marriage or divorce or the demands of aging and caring for aging parents.
My background includes in-depth work with both an aging population (subspecialty in serving clients and families coming to terms with dementia) and elementary- and high-school age children and their families.
Choosing a therapist and beginning therapy isn't easy. The first step is recognizing the feeling that you don't want to be alone in working on your challenges. My commitment is to help you find out whether I might be a good match as your therapist, and to be your guide in the process of getting support. I work particularly well with anyone who is negotiating difficult life cycle transitions--from challenges of beginning school, moving or dealing with loss to the strains of adolescence, marriage or divorce or the demands of aging and caring for aging parents.
![Photo of Anica Leon-Weil, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6c88ab1-82b6-4a33-ba1e-9084532e8466/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with folks across the lifespan in regards to relational issues, polyamory/open relationships, work stress, self esteem, boundary setting, life transitions, sexuality, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, perinatal/postpartum, & caregiving for elders, especially those with dementia.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here and appreciate that it can take a lot to start the process of finding support. I believe we all have the capacity to experience satisfaction, fulfillment, and moments of joy in our lives by exploring the barriers to these things- both internally and externally, learning new ways of self understanding, and developing coping skills for the challenges we face. Life can be hard and we don’t always get to choose our circumstances but we can try to find ways to get through the best we can. I use a holistic approach with a backdrop of trauma focused, racial and social justice informed, compassionate care.
I have experience working with folks across the lifespan in regards to relational issues, polyamory/open relationships, work stress, self esteem, boundary setting, life transitions, sexuality, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, perinatal/postpartum, & caregiving for elders, especially those with dementia.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here and appreciate that it can take a lot to start the process of finding support. I believe we all have the capacity to experience satisfaction, fulfillment, and moments of joy in our lives by exploring the barriers to these things- both internally and externally, learning new ways of self understanding, and developing coping skills for the challenges we face. Life can be hard and we don’t always get to choose our circumstances but we can try to find ways to get through the best we can. I use a holistic approach with a backdrop of trauma focused, racial and social justice informed, compassionate care.
![Photo of Melissa K Bowman, MA, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/545447d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa K Bowman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606 (Online Only)
My specializations include: working with older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, treatment-resistant depression, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
My specializations include: working with older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, treatment-resistant depression, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
![Photo of Amanda Hartrey, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de29202-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Hartrey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Making the decision to work with a therapist is a big deal. It takes courage to allow someone to see your vulnerabilities. You may be dealing with a crisis, loss or life transition. You may be feeling stuck, anxious, stressed, angry, depressed, grief-stricken or some combination of these. I will meet you with warmth, compassion, curiosity and will actively engage with you as you unfold these layers that are complicating your life. I believe you possess an inherent strength that has gotten you this far in life. Let me help bolster this strength that you might have forgotten about.
Making the decision to work with a therapist is a big deal. It takes courage to allow someone to see your vulnerabilities. You may be dealing with a crisis, loss or life transition. You may be feeling stuck, anxious, stressed, angry, depressed, grief-stricken or some combination of these. I will meet you with warmth, compassion, curiosity and will actively engage with you as you unfold these layers that are complicating your life. I believe you possess an inherent strength that has gotten you this far in life. Let me help bolster this strength that you might have forgotten about.
![Photo of Allan Grill, MS, MFT, CRC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b935813-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients with various medical conditions, including neurological disorders, physically disabling and aging-related conditions, and other impairments. Clients include Caregivers and LGBT persons with disabling conditions. For over 25 years I have helped adults with emotional and logistical concerns related to chronic medical and aging-related conditions, short and long term care planning, relationship and communication problems, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I hold an MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and am a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a California licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Please see my website www.allangrill.com for more information.
I work with clients with various medical conditions, including neurological disorders, physically disabling and aging-related conditions, and other impairments. Clients include Caregivers and LGBT persons with disabling conditions. For over 25 years I have helped adults with emotional and logistical concerns related to chronic medical and aging-related conditions, short and long term care planning, relationship and communication problems, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I hold an MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and am a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a California licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Please see my website www.allangrill.com for more information.
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Dementia Therapists
Can dementia patients benefit from counseling?
Dementia patients can often benefit significantly from counseling. While neurologists typically treat dementia itself, counselors 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. Counselors 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 behavioral 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.