What type specialist for Alzheimer's patient?

My mom had a great geriatric primary care physician who referred her to a neurologist. As the dementia progressed the neurologist was the main doctor for the dementia symptoms and medication. We did physical therapy many times and one therapist pointed some things that he felt should be brought to the attention of the neurologist. That was also helpful in receiving the correct diagmosis.

My mom only sees a geriatrician who have prescribed MRI's and CT of her head. Her doctor's approach is to manage the symptoms not refer to a neurologist. So, I would start ny finding a geriatric doctor that canhelp each step ofthe way.

Call your closest Alzheimer Association office and see if they have suggestions for you for diagnosis and treatment.

My husband was seeing a Sleep Psychiatrist at the time he developed dementia and that doctor recognized the type of dementia because is it associated with the sleep disorder. He referred us to a colleague who specialized in that--a behavioral neurologist. That was excellent. I understand that geriatric psychiatrists have an appropriate range of knowledge, too, although I think they tend to be medication managers -- great, but I'd still want someone focusing on the big picture.

My mother sees only a geriatrician. She deals with a lot of patients with dementia. (She worked well with my husband's neurologist, and was very conscientious about potent adverse reactions to drugs.) We don't know what kind of dementia Mom has and she is not being treated for it specifically. But in her 90s, this seems a reasonable approach to her family.

If you possibly can, find a dementia clinic or an elder care specialty clinic that can confirm the Alzheimer's diagnosis or modify it. About 40% of people with dementia have some other kind than Alzheimer's. From what you say about his internist, I doubt that "Alzheimer's" was a thoroughly explored diagnosis.

Even if you have to travel some distance to a specialty clinic, I think it would be worthwhile. Then they can refer you to appropriate clinicians nearer your home.

When my husband developed dementia, we switched from an internist for his pcp to the geriatrician. That is something to consider also, if it would be acceptable to your husband.