Understanding your options when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia caused by Alzheimer's may be a trying and painful process. Despite the fact that there is no cure, there are therapies that can ease your loved one's symptoms and help them retain their quality of life. There are several varieties of dementia, but most experts concur that anyone with any form of dementia should visit a professional. That can make deciding on a plan of action challenging.

Visiting nearby dementia-focused neurologists who can provide advice is one practical choice. They can do a full neurological examination and provide recommendations for follow-up Alzheimer's care. Finding the finest Alzheimer's care for your loved one may be made easier by combining a neurologist's assessment with the conclusions of other types of Alzheimer's specialists in your area, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and geriatricians.

National Alzheimer's Month occurs in November. Here's what you need to know about the advantages of having your loved one with dementia consult a neurologist in light of the significance of this disease's diagnosis and treatment.

Should elderly people with Alzheimer's seek out a neurologist?

"Maybe" is the brief response to this query. Here are three important things to consider to help you make the best decision for your loved one.

#1: Your family doctor might not be your best option.

Your primary care physician may start with a preliminary diagnosis, but they will almost certainly recommend you to a specialist. Some people say they'd rather keep going to their family doctor since they know and trust them. Others might be discouraged by their diagnosis and wonder why they should visit a specialist.

Though reasonable, the worry is unfounded. Every month, new studies on advancements in Alzheimer's therapy are released. Even if they haven't yet discovered a cure, scientists have learned a lot that can aid those who have already been given a diagnosis.

Since research on dementia is continuously advancing, it's probable that the family physician won't be as knowledgeable about the most recent developments. Seeing a specialist will ensure your loved one benefits from the most recent therapies and medications.

#2: Not all dementia experts have neurology training

While a specialist may have more knowledge about the different types of Alzheimer's, a family doctor may also provide recommendations based on your loved one's specific circumstances. These recommendations could include a psychologist, geriatrician, behavioral neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist, or general neurologist. It's worth noting that not all of these professionals have neurological training. Psychologists and geriatricians, for example, may not have obtained the optional American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certification that demonstrates in-depth knowledge of neurology and other related subjects, which is typically obtained by psychiatric and neurological specialists.

Because of this, any of these specialists may be able to help, but only the latter two—neurosurgeons—will have extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the brain.

Neurologists are trained to spot tiny brain anomalies that impair memory. Only they are qualified to provide a full neurological examination and suggest follow-up care for brain illnesses like Alzheimer's.

#3: Neurology has done a lot of exciting research

It seems to sense that some of the most encouraging research results come from the discipline of neurology since this disease is a brain condition. For instance, in a recent study, neuroscientists discovered that a certain kind of light treatment might stop mice from developing Alzheimer's disease.

Only a neurologist is likely to be aware of studies like this and how they could affect the health of your loved one. A neurologist may be the greatest resource for information on current studies if you have any.

Keeping up with senior living at Heritage Care Home

At Heritage Care Home Senior Living, we make a regular effort to remain abreast of new scientific findings in the detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our memory care program is built on good scientific principles and heavily draws from the work of neurologists.

Please get in touch with us if you want to learn more about our Alzheimer's program. Or schedule a tour and get in touch with our staff to see one of our memory care communities.