 |
|
Finding the right doctor
The first step in following up on symptoms is finding a doctor you feel comfortable with. Alzheimer's Association clients report they are most likely to be satisfied seeing someone who is well informed about Alzheimer's disease. Your local Alzheimer's Association can help you find the right doctor.
There is no single type of doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer's disease. Many people contact their regular primary care physician or internist about their concerns. Primary care doctors often oversee the diagnostic process and provide treatment themselves.
In some cases, the primary care doctor may refer a patient to one of the following specialists:
*A neurologist, who specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system
*A psychiatrist, who specializes in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works
*A psychologist with advanced training in testing memory, concentration, problem solving, language and other mental functions
Understanding the problem
There is no single test that proves a person has Alzheimer's. The medical workup is designed to evaluate overall health and identify any conditions that could affect how well the mind works.
Experts estimate a skilled physician can diagnose Alzheimer's with more than 90 percent accuracy. Doctors can almost always determine that a person has dementia, but it may sometimes be difficult to pin down the exact cause.
Be prepared for the doctor to ask:
*What kind of symptoms have you noticed?
*When did they begin?
*How often do they happen?
*Have they gotten worse?
|
|
|