Dementia Therapists in Quincy, MA
![Photo of Stephen C Duclos, MEd, CST, CRC, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0eaa8026-9ec6-4137-8215-014c6eb8b7b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen C Duclos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, CST, CRC, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Quincy, MA 02169
I have been working with families and couples in various configurations and locations since 1972. In addition to being a Licensed Family Therapist, I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have taught courses in Ethics, Substance Abuse, Sexuality, and other subjects in the Graduate School Of Counseling at UMass/Boston. Primarily, my work is about family and couple relationships. In 2012, I was awarded the Schiller Prize for my work with fathers, daughters, and sexuality by AASECT. I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and train therapists.
I have been working with families and couples in various configurations and locations since 1972. In addition to being a Licensed Family Therapist, I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have taught courses in Ethics, Substance Abuse, Sexuality, and other subjects in the Graduate School Of Counseling at UMass/Boston. Primarily, my work is about family and couple relationships. In 2012, I was awarded the Schiller Prize for my work with fathers, daughters, and sexuality by AASECT. I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and train therapists.
![Photo of Robert Renna, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9732fc21-2406-4c95-8bc8-5b4e43f406ee/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bob Renna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with more than 10 years of experience working extensively with children, teens, adults, and seniors who are struggling to cope with family conflict, dysfunctional relationships, chronic stress, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, depression, OCD, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), and much more.
Bob Renna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with more than 10 years of experience working extensively with children, teens, adults, and seniors who are struggling to cope with family conflict, dysfunctional relationships, chronic stress, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, depression, OCD, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), and much more.
![Photo of Jennifer Spinner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/633292e9-3b76-4677-b808-2b2379ad0e95/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Spinner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Quincy, MA 02169 (Online Only)
Calling ALL Couples! LGBTQ+, Heterosexual, Polyamorous, Monogamous, Monogamish, Open Relationships, ALL couples and ALL Relationships! I Can Help You! Presenting a Special Offer from Jennifer Spinner LCSW! I am a student obtaining RLT (Relational Life Therapy) Certification. I will submit a case review and am offering a special fee in return for couples willing to allow me to record as we do session. The RLT Method is Very Effective! I can save your relationship and give you hope again! I study with Terry Real who has saved many marriages! Call Now! Quincy, Plymouth, http:/www.jenniferspinnerlcsw.com
Calling ALL Couples! LGBTQ+, Heterosexual, Polyamorous, Monogamous, Monogamish, Open Relationships, ALL couples and ALL Relationships! I Can Help You! Presenting a Special Offer from Jennifer Spinner LCSW! I am a student obtaining RLT (Relational Life Therapy) Certification. I will submit a case review and am offering a special fee in return for couples willing to allow me to record as we do session. The RLT Method is Very Effective! I can save your relationship and give you hope again! I study with Terry Real who has saved many marriages! Call Now! Quincy, Plymouth, http:/www.jenniferspinnerlcsw.com
![Photo of Angela Swain, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1183424-46bb-42d2-8e45-9d6ee496e47e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Swain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Quincy, MA 02169
Waitlist for new clients
Aging is hard and comes with many losses. You may be experiencing loss of physical health, cognitive functioning, a declining social network, loss of independence and isolation. All this leaves you frustrated, lonely and anxious. As a caregiver, you may be experiencing increased conflict with family and feelings of guilt or inadequacy as you attempt to divide time amongst family/work/yourself. And if you are a griever, the range of emotions are as unique to you and the relationship. You likely feel lost, empty and uncertain of how to get through the day. Your sense of self may be altered as you struggle to adapt to your loss.
Aging is hard and comes with many losses. You may be experiencing loss of physical health, cognitive functioning, a declining social network, loss of independence and isolation. All this leaves you frustrated, lonely and anxious. As a caregiver, you may be experiencing increased conflict with family and feelings of guilt or inadequacy as you attempt to divide time amongst family/work/yourself. And if you are a griever, the range of emotions are as unique to you and the relationship. You likely feel lost, empty and uncertain of how to get through the day. Your sense of self may be altered as you struggle to adapt to your loss.
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8273c72e-f6d3-43ef-83cb-91493e4503cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Quincy, MA 02169 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonals, LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/347239e8-dd8a-4082-9a2d-30512d10e9f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonals, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Quincy, MA 02169 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Virginie Patt - Center for Cognitive Testing, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4347329-b69e-4069-93ae-87f5ee0732b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dealing with cognitive disorders, cognitive decline, attention issues, memory concerns, or the onset of dementia can feel overwhelming.
If you're struggling to keep up, feeling scattered, or just always sensed you were different, you might be right. Dr. Patt specializes in assessments that help you understand how your brain works. Whether you suspect ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or something else, these evaluations provide insight. It's about more than getting a diagnosis; Dr. Patt's goal is to empower you with a clear picture of your unique strengths, pinpoint any challenges, and develop targeted strategies for success. She also has extensive experience working in memory research and diagnosing functioning while providing insights.
Dealing with cognitive disorders, cognitive decline, attention issues, memory concerns, or the onset of dementia can feel overwhelming.
If you're struggling to keep up, feeling scattered, or just always sensed you were different, you might be right. Dr. Patt specializes in assessments that help you understand how your brain works. Whether you suspect ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or something else, these evaluations provide insight. It's about more than getting a diagnosis; Dr. Patt's goal is to empower you with a clear picture of your unique strengths, pinpoint any challenges, and develop targeted strategies for success. She also has extensive experience working in memory research and diagnosing functioning while providing insights.
![Photo of David D Nowell, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e8b09a7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a clinical neuropsychologist I work with clients to identify areas of cognitive strength and weakness and relate those patterns to known profiles of brain-behavior relationship. The process involves an interview, collateral contacts, and carefully selected standardized assessment of brain and emotional functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation may help identify dementia, direct therapies after traumatic brain injury, or tease out ADHD from learning disorder and other developmental conditions.
As a clinical neuropsychologist I work with clients to identify areas of cognitive strength and weakness and relate those patterns to known profiles of brain-behavior relationship. The process involves an interview, collateral contacts, and carefully selected standardized assessment of brain and emotional functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation may help identify dementia, direct therapies after traumatic brain injury, or tease out ADHD from learning disorder and other developmental conditions.
![Photo of Sahra Kim, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f12d275-db24-43ef-a51d-8662de6eda75/1/320x400.jpeg)
Experiencing memory loss or attention difficulties? Whether you experience depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, ADHD, age-related memory problems, or mild cognitive impairment - they all have consequences to our ability to think and as a result our day to day lives. Memory Gains can help. I provide compensatory cognitive training and therapy for those with memory and concentration problems. I also specialize in neuropsychological assessments (adults 18+) and can provide evaluations for memory decline. I currently have no waitlist.
Experiencing memory loss or attention difficulties? Whether you experience depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, ADHD, age-related memory problems, or mild cognitive impairment - they all have consequences to our ability to think and as a result our day to day lives. Memory Gains can help. I provide compensatory cognitive training and therapy for those with memory and concentration problems. I also specialize in neuropsychological assessments (adults 18+) and can provide evaluations for memory decline. I currently have no waitlist.
![Photo of Marina A Breydo, MEd, LMHC, MD, Europe, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c31e438-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Marina A Breydo
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, MD, Europe
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446 (Online Only)
I have a special interest working with a patients with dementia (and their families).
I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years. I really enjoy what i am doing for all of this years. I have worked in different countries,with people from the different cultures,but i learned that people everywhere have the same problems.. They need to be loved,understood and to feel accepted. I consult with individuals , families and couples about personal life and life challengers,difficult transition or crisis ,low self esteem ,stress that may benefit from a focused solution-based approach . This will transform your life ,allow you to become better at feeling and moving toward your values.
I have a special interest working with a patients with dementia (and their families).
I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years. I really enjoy what i am doing for all of this years. I have worked in different countries,with people from the different cultures,but i learned that people everywhere have the same problems.. They need to be loved,understood and to feel accepted. I consult with individuals , families and couples about personal life and life challengers,difficult transition or crisis ,low self esteem ,stress that may benefit from a focused solution-based approach . This will transform your life ,allow you to become better at feeling and moving toward your values.
![Photo of Jessica Boyatt, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/408de183-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide client-centered psychotherapy that emphasizes meaningful change and builds resilience. Effective psychotherapy creates change on many levels--alleviation of symptoms, a deeper understanding of one's self and more satisfying relationships. I am dedicated to creating a collaborative and supportive environment unique to your needs and goals. I also provide neuropsychological evaluations to all age ranges and all areas of functioning (learning, memory, behavior, executive function). Similarly to my psychotherapy practice, I cultivate a collaborative stance when providing neuropsychological evaluations in order to make the evaluation as thorough and useful as possible.
I provide client-centered psychotherapy that emphasizes meaningful change and builds resilience. Effective psychotherapy creates change on many levels--alleviation of symptoms, a deeper understanding of one's self and more satisfying relationships. I am dedicated to creating a collaborative and supportive environment unique to your needs and goals. I also provide neuropsychological evaluations to all age ranges and all areas of functioning (learning, memory, behavior, executive function). Similarly to my psychotherapy practice, I cultivate a collaborative stance when providing neuropsychological evaluations in order to make the evaluation as thorough and useful as possible.
![Photo of Mimi Yasgur, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc30fd3a-29b8-475e-b4d9-660e5e328456/2/320x400.jpeg)
I see therapy as an opportunity to discover your own resilience and inner ability to heal and grow. It is my goal to give you therapeutic tools and coping skills to empower yourself with your unique strengths in your life journey. I hold space for you to engage with your mental health in an integrative way in line with your values, and I invite exploration of existential or spiritual themes in therapy. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, and I welcome the opportunity to work clients from different backgrounds.
I see therapy as an opportunity to discover your own resilience and inner ability to heal and grow. It is my goal to give you therapeutic tools and coping skills to empower yourself with your unique strengths in your life journey. I hold space for you to engage with your mental health in an integrative way in line with your values, and I invite exploration of existential or spiritual themes in therapy. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, and I welcome the opportunity to work clients from different backgrounds.
![Photo of Ryan Mace, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/293ad94f-c58b-47ff-8d69-5ba2887cc9db/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located in Boston, MA providing individual therapy for adults and older adults. I am also a clinician and researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS). I started this private practice to bring the latest advances in clinical psychology to people like you. My mission is to equip you with evidence-based skills to improve your cognitive (how we think), behavioral (what we do), and emotional (how we feel) functioning.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located in Boston, MA providing individual therapy for adults and older adults. I am also a clinician and researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS). I started this private practice to bring the latest advances in clinical psychology to people like you. My mission is to equip you with evidence-based skills to improve your cognitive (how we think), behavioral (what we do), and emotional (how we feel) functioning.
![Photo of Jeremy Clyman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/400c6026-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a "generalist" and clinically serve individuals, couples and families across all phases of development (from pre-teens and adolescents through to older adults). Psychotherapy is a process designed to increase general mental health and well-being by clarifying goals and values, strengthening psychological weaknesses, and learning more effective and sophisticated strategies to better manage emotional, social and internal (e.g. thoughts) life. Through a gentle but focused conversational style, I utilize the latest clinical research and theory to construct a collaborative and personally-tailored treatment plan that aims for symptom relief and performance enhancement.
I am a "generalist" and clinically serve individuals, couples and families across all phases of development (from pre-teens and adolescents through to older adults). Psychotherapy is a process designed to increase general mental health and well-being by clarifying goals and values, strengthening psychological weaknesses, and learning more effective and sophisticated strategies to better manage emotional, social and internal (e.g. thoughts) life. Through a gentle but focused conversational style, I utilize the latest clinical research and theory to construct a collaborative and personally-tailored treatment plan that aims for symptom relief and performance enhancement.
![Photo of Megan Knittle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53c341ae-4a8f-4d8f-b056-b6b5a6515042/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Knittle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
I have a particular interest in working with older adults.
Many of us live day to day thinking, "that couldn't happen to me." Difficult things can and do pop up and derail our trajectory, putting incredibly tough barriers in areas where we had no difficulty before. I have spent much of my career working with people who, for one reason or another, have had their trajectory derailed and are working to get back on track. As difficult as it might be, looking for a therapist who is a good fit is one of the most important steps in the process of beginning to take your life back. I'm so glad you're here.
I have a particular interest in working with older adults.
Many of us live day to day thinking, "that couldn't happen to me." Difficult things can and do pop up and derail our trajectory, putting incredibly tough barriers in areas where we had no difficulty before. I have spent much of my career working with people who, for one reason or another, have had their trajectory derailed and are working to get back on track. As difficult as it might be, looking for a therapist who is a good fit is one of the most important steps in the process of beginning to take your life back. I'm so glad you're here.
![Photo of Danielle Shaked, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d977f82a-eaec-453f-928f-da210835b197/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you experiencing attention, memory, or other difficulties with your thinking? Are your cognitive difficulties impacting you at school, work, or at home? If you want to understand what may be causing these difficulties, and how to treat them, I can help. I am a licensed, clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in cognitive evaluations for adults.
Are you experiencing attention, memory, or other difficulties with your thinking? Are your cognitive difficulties impacting you at school, work, or at home? If you want to understand what may be causing these difficulties, and how to treat them, I can help. I am a licensed, clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in cognitive evaluations for adults.
![Photo of Virginia Bradley Hines, PA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf4579e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a Physician Assistant, I've worked in public health clinics, private medical practices, a clinical ecology practice, student-health clinics and for ten years in dementia research at The Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry.
Offering a compassionate, safe place in which you can explore current life challenges that may be difficult to face alone. Relationship conflicts, separations, loss, job changes, eating problems and other addictions, medical illness, mid-life and other transitions often require working in partnership with someone who can help you find your own inner resources to move forward in your life. I have thirty-six years of experience as a medical practitioner working with diverse populations, including college students, young, middle age and older adults. I bring that experience to my psychotherapy work, recognizing the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
As a Physician Assistant, I've worked in public health clinics, private medical practices, a clinical ecology practice, student-health clinics and for ten years in dementia research at The Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry.
Offering a compassionate, safe place in which you can explore current life challenges that may be difficult to face alone. Relationship conflicts, separations, loss, job changes, eating problems and other addictions, medical illness, mid-life and other transitions often require working in partnership with someone who can help you find your own inner resources to move forward in your life. I have thirty-six years of experience as a medical practitioner working with diverse populations, including college students, young, middle age and older adults. I bring that experience to my psychotherapy work, recognizing the whole person, mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Laurie Cestnick, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f7410d3-68cb-4734-bef2-5d505c0a91df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Here to help you with dyslexia, learning disorders, autism, ADHD, stroke, memory loss, concussion, & emotionality from these. Neuropsychological, psychological, & educational assessments & treatment. Internationally recognized for neuropsychology of reading, dyslexia and attention with the most comprehensive assessments available (clinical & research backgrounds bring a detailed approach); ages 3 to adult. Relationships with clients and their families are usually ongoing. I love helping you and give my best effort always. https://www.drlauriecestnick.com for FREE educational videos. 617-413-2065
Here to help you with dyslexia, learning disorders, autism, ADHD, stroke, memory loss, concussion, & emotionality from these. Neuropsychological, psychological, & educational assessments & treatment. Internationally recognized for neuropsychology of reading, dyslexia and attention with the most comprehensive assessments available (clinical & research backgrounds bring a detailed approach); ages 3 to adult. Relationships with clients and their families are usually ongoing. I love helping you and give my best effort always. https://www.drlauriecestnick.com for FREE educational videos. 617-413-2065
![Photo of Kelly M. Jones - Kelly M. Jones, Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ef8bafc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a clinical neuropsychologist who provides assessment, ADHD coaching, and CBT services to individuals. My specialty areas include assessment of cognitive and behavioral changes associated with ADHD. I also provide neuropsychological services for adults with neurological, medical, psychiatric and academic-related conditions that impact cognitive functioning. I work with a wide range of clients including those with memory problems, traumatic brain injury, mood disorders or psychiatric conditions, learning disabilities, and ADHD. My doctorate is from UMass Amherst. I completed a neuropsychology internship at the Bedford VA and an adult clinical neuropsychology fellowship at Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Health Alliance.
I am a clinical neuropsychologist who provides assessment, ADHD coaching, and CBT services to individuals. My specialty areas include assessment of cognitive and behavioral changes associated with ADHD. I also provide neuropsychological services for adults with neurological, medical, psychiatric and academic-related conditions that impact cognitive functioning. I work with a wide range of clients including those with memory problems, traumatic brain injury, mood disorders or psychiatric conditions, learning disabilities, and ADHD. My doctorate is from UMass Amherst. I completed a neuropsychology internship at the Bedford VA and an adult clinical neuropsychology fellowship at Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Health Alliance.
![Photo of Shifali Singh, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d77e5dfe-37b2-4a5c-a73e-dc6f62e54db5/1/320x400.png)
Are you experiencing attention or memory issues, brain fog, or other cognitive-based difficulties? Are these impacting your relationships, job/career success, or self-esteem? I conduct neuropsychological evaluations through comprehensive testing, after which I provide tailored recommendations based on your own relative strengths and areas of needed improvement. I also regularly see people who are recovering from brain injury (TBI/concussions, head trauma, new-onset neurological diagnoses), who might be struggling with cognitive, emotional, and/or psychological recovery.
Are you experiencing attention or memory issues, brain fog, or other cognitive-based difficulties? Are these impacting your relationships, job/career success, or self-esteem? I conduct neuropsychological evaluations through comprehensive testing, after which I provide tailored recommendations based on your own relative strengths and areas of needed improvement. I also regularly see people who are recovering from brain injury (TBI/concussions, head trauma, new-onset neurological diagnoses), who might be struggling with cognitive, emotional, and/or psychological recovery.
See more therapy options for Quincy
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.