Dementia Therapists in Orinda, CA
![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 Debra Jay Sheppard, LMFT, MA, BA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/daf315de-38d6-48a8-809a-83adb3907b0d/4/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with couples, parenting, parents with special needs children, young adults and grandparents. Family conflict, divorce, blended families who are undergoing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, academic, and relational issues need support and tools. Retirement, aging, caring for aging parents, caring for ill-loved ones, coping with life threatening illness and grief and loss are also important issues impacting life and family. Therapy can bring understanding, increase communication and create healthy relationships, life transitions and families.
I specialize in working with couples, parenting, parents with special needs children, young adults and grandparents. Family conflict, divorce, blended families who are undergoing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, academic, and relational issues need support and tools. Retirement, aging, caring for aging parents, caring for ill-loved ones, coping with life threatening illness and grief and loss are also important issues impacting life and family. Therapy can bring understanding, increase communication and create healthy relationships, life transitions and families.
![Photo of Robin Criner, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5913d749-fdc9-421a-9713-d7d71d874246/1/320x400.png)
Robin Criner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief? Perhaps you are trying to cope with an acute or chronic illness. Are you a caregiver taking care of an ill loved one looking for support? Robin is passionate about helping adults move through difficult life transitions, especially grief and changes related to medical conditions. In addition to her specialty focus in behavioral health, Robin also treats mood and anxiety disorders in adults. She works with her clients to identify their goals and values, then together, they collaborate to achieve the client's goals to live a life of fulfillment.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief? Perhaps you are trying to cope with an acute or chronic illness. Are you a caregiver taking care of an ill loved one looking for support? Robin is passionate about helping adults move through difficult life transitions, especially grief and changes related to medical conditions. In addition to her specialty focus in behavioral health, Robin also treats mood and anxiety disorders in adults. She works with her clients to identify their goals and values, then together, they collaborate to achieve the client's goals to live a life of fulfillment.
![Photo of Alissa Scanlin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc1f87f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily.
I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily.
I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
![Photo of Marlies Rosmark, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12a9ab0e-ba04-494a-813b-45b79069f0e4/1/320x400.jpeg)
We all need support because at times life can be difficult. It may be enough to talk with friends or other people you trust but sometimes not. Maybe you are feeling alone or not connected with yourself and people around you. Therapy can be a way to help you reconnect. I offer a genuine environment in which we look together how you can get back on track. I believe that connection is a basic human need: being connected with yourself and with the people around you. This is a core value in all of my work.
We all need support because at times life can be difficult. It may be enough to talk with friends or other people you trust but sometimes not. Maybe you are feeling alone or not connected with yourself and people around you. Therapy can be a way to help you reconnect. I offer a genuine environment in which we look together how you can get back on track. I believe that connection is a basic human need: being connected with yourself and with the people around you. This is a core value in all of my work.
![Photo of Nadia Miriam Underwood - Mira Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6661ee08-88d1-42a2-920c-09d915c22353/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling can help you through challenging times and be life changing. I have dedicated myself to helping people with serious life challenges by providing therapy and education to empower my clients to make sense of their feelings, re-frame their life narratives, and develop healthy coping skills. I specialize in depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief/loss, health issues, family conflicts, immigration/cultural/racial issues, domestic violence/abuse, and death & dying. Originally from Romania, I grew up in Germany, and have lived in the Bay Area for 30 years.
Counseling can help you through challenging times and be life changing. I have dedicated myself to helping people with serious life challenges by providing therapy and education to empower my clients to make sense of their feelings, re-frame their life narratives, and develop healthy coping skills. I specialize in depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief/loss, health issues, family conflicts, immigration/cultural/racial issues, domestic violence/abuse, and death & dying. Originally from Romania, I grew up in Germany, and have lived in the Bay Area for 30 years.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Margaret A. Struchen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/253ac018-82d6-46c1-a66a-90a1e232f55d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in neuropsychological evaluation; cognitive rehabilitation; behavioral management for those with acquired brain injury or dementia; counseling/therapy for those with chronic illnesses, pain, or disability; and caregiver consultation services.
My practice, the Center for Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, PC, focuses on providing clients with the skills needed to reach their personal goals. With over 20 years of practice, across multiple settings, I have worked to address the needs of adults and adolescents with neurological disorders, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Prior to entering private practice, I served as Director of Rehabilitation Psychology/Neuropsychology at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, and I have engaged in extensive clinical research centered on evaluating outcomes and interventions for those affected by acquired brain injury.
I specialize in neuropsychological evaluation; cognitive rehabilitation; behavioral management for those with acquired brain injury or dementia; counseling/therapy for those with chronic illnesses, pain, or disability; and caregiver consultation services.
My practice, the Center for Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, PC, focuses on providing clients with the skills needed to reach their personal goals. With over 20 years of practice, across multiple settings, I have worked to address the needs of adults and adolescents with neurological disorders, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Prior to entering private practice, I served as Director of Rehabilitation Psychology/Neuropsychology at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, and I have engaged in extensive clinical research centered on evaluating outcomes and interventions for those affected by acquired brain injury.
![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 Beth Logan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a00c1ea-7def-4fc1-a78c-4a84fd7b58a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have provided counseling and education to families caring for a loved one with dementia for over 25 years and now work in hospice.
One doesn't plan for a late in life divorce; the death of a spouse or becoming a caregiver to an elderly parent or friend. These late life transitions have become common for people in their 50's and upwards - leaving many feeling alone, afraid, unsupported and inadequate. The need to "reinvent" and "redefine" who you are now can be paralyzing. As a therapist with an extensive background in grief and loss, we will explore the "unknown" together; define your strengths and personal goals; and remove barriers to finding meaning at any age.
I have provided counseling and education to families caring for a loved one with dementia for over 25 years and now work in hospice.
One doesn't plan for a late in life divorce; the death of a spouse or becoming a caregiver to an elderly parent or friend. These late life transitions have become common for people in their 50's and upwards - leaving many feeling alone, afraid, unsupported and inadequate. The need to "reinvent" and "redefine" who you are now can be paralyzing. As a therapist with an extensive background in grief and loss, we will explore the "unknown" together; define your strengths and personal goals; and remove barriers to finding meaning at any age.
![Photo of Peter Oppermann, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c36e3de-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
For the past 19 years I have provided evaluations, counseling, and education on managing dementia, difficult behaviors, and caregiver burnout in inpatient and outpatient geriatric care.
Feeling restless or easily distracted? Lacking energy, motivation, focus, or direction in life? Spinning your wheels in your career or relationships? Prone to pleasing others at all costs, yet feeling unhappy and misunderstood? Always too busy to stop and smell the flowers? I'd like to help you become more empowered, confident, and satisfied through facing and letting go of your fears, irritating beliefs, guilt, and suffering, so you can learn to communicate more effectively and have healthy relationships. For more than twenty-five years I have provided time-limited and in-depth psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups.
For the past 19 years I have provided evaluations, counseling, and education on managing dementia, difficult behaviors, and caregiver burnout in inpatient and outpatient geriatric care.
Feeling restless or easily distracted? Lacking energy, motivation, focus, or direction in life? Spinning your wheels in your career or relationships? Prone to pleasing others at all costs, yet feeling unhappy and misunderstood? Always too busy to stop and smell the flowers? I'd like to help you become more empowered, confident, and satisfied through facing and letting go of your fears, irritating beliefs, guilt, and suffering, so you can learn to communicate more effectively and have healthy relationships. For more than twenty-five years I have provided time-limited and in-depth psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups.
![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 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 Alice Hua, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3780c004-6304-43e2-a699-13818bc58d44/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients to acknowledge their strengths, address impacts of culture and oppressive systems on mental health, and build skills rooted in their goals and values. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, life transitions, depression, grief, insomnia, and trauma. I also work with individuals adjusting to neurocognitive symptoms and family members of loved ones with dementia. Amidst life's toughest moments, finding clarity, connection, and joy is still possible.
I work with clients to acknowledge their strengths, address impacts of culture and oppressive systems on mental health, and build skills rooted in their goals and values. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, life transitions, depression, grief, insomnia, and trauma. I also work with individuals adjusting to neurocognitive symptoms and family members of loved ones with dementia. Amidst life's toughest moments, finding clarity, connection, and joy is still possible.
![Photo of Naomi Kimmelman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a76f6b4d-7213-4e60-bef7-fdc1304ad8b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are experiencing any of the following: anxiety, depression, navigating decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, explore your identity, work on self esteem, expand your spiritual or creative life, are processing grief, loss and change including coping with a serious illness, injury, Alzheimer’s disease or a family member going through any of the above, I may be the therapist for you. I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and who you hope to be as your future self.
If you are experiencing any of the following: anxiety, depression, navigating decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, explore your identity, work on self esteem, expand your spiritual or creative life, are processing grief, loss and change including coping with a serious illness, injury, Alzheimer’s disease or a family member going through any of the above, I may be the therapist for you. I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and who you hope to be as your future self.
![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 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. Let's explore the barriers to these things- both internally and externally, increase self understanding, and develop coping skills for the challenges you 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, and 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. Let's explore the barriers to these things- both internally and externally, increase self understanding, and develop coping skills for the challenges you 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, and 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
Alameda, CA 94501 (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 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.
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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.