Types of Healthcare Providers Dealing with Dementia

It is important to discuss initial and ongoing changes in memory and cognition with a physician. Doing so allows families to explore medication options, connect with community resources, and make decisions about the future with healthcare providers dealing with dementia. Multiple providers may be involved in the initial diagnosis and ongoing care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Depending on their insurance and health history, a person may be referred to some of these specialists.

Types of Healthcare Providers

Primary Care Physician (a “generalist” who is a family or internal medicine doctor): A primary care physician may refer patients to specialists, who can perform more detailed testing after the initial assessment. Primary care doctors may or may not have familiarity with the complex needs of those living with dementia.

Geriatrician: A geriatrician is a medical doctor who is specially trained to meet the unique healthcare needs of older adults. Illnesses, diseases, and medications may affect older people differently than younger adults. Older patients often have multiple health problems and take multiple medications. Geriatricians prevent, manage, and develop care plans for the special health problems of the elderly. A geriatrician can act as a primary care doctor.

Neurologist: A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in assessing and treating conditions related to the brain, nervous system, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They use brain scans to find changes in the brain. Most neurologists have training in cognitive diseases, although some focus on treating other conditions, such as seizure disorders.

Neuropsychologist: Neuropsychologists specialize in the assessment and treatment of patients with a brain disease or injury. A neuropsychological evaluation can provide an assessment of a person’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Neuropsychologists consider different factors that could contribute to a person’s condition. These assessments can be especially helpful for individuals who do not have a typical presentation of symptoms or for those that are younger and experiencing dementia-like symptoms.

Geriatric Psychiatrist: Geriatric psychiatrists understand the special physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults. Older adults see these physicians for a variety of concerns, including stress, depression, anxiety, memory problems, difficulty coping with change, poor sleep, and more.

Tips for Choosing a Physician

1. Contact the patient’s insurance provider. Ask for a few referrals within the patient’s network. Be sure to ask about co-pays, deductibles, and premiums related to the type of care. Visit the insurance provider’s website to view information about physicians and their specialties.
2. Make a list of important qualities. Is it preferable to see a man or a woman? Are the office hours convenient? Are they in-network? Can they speak the patient’s language?
3. Learn about the possible physicians. Call the office and ask about the doctor’s experience, qualifications, policies, and payment options. Is the staff friendly and helpful? Do they seem to have time to answer questions?
4. Use references and ratings. Ask for referrals from family and friends. Look up the doctor’s ratings online through sources like the American Medical Association’s Doctor Finder website and the American Board of Medical Specialties’ Certification Matters database.
5. Ask for a meet and greet appointment. Observe whether or not the doctor is open to answering questions. Were they a good listener? Were their explanations understandable? Would there be any discomfort working with this person?

For more information about these types of physicians or for local referrals, call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our Dementia Care Coaches who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.