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Which Specialist To Consult For Dementia?
Question: I am a female teacher, aged 63, who relocated to SC from Manhatten. Ten years ago, I was tested as part of a Mt Sinai study on early onset dementia. I had some forgetfulness and a little trouble with word retrieval. Their MRI showed mild atrophy in the frontal lobe. Five years later in XXXXXXX I was tested again and diagnosed with anxiety. I have been experiencing more short term memory lapses to the extent that my employer called me to a meeting this week and asked what was wrong and why can't I remember things. I have never had problems getting organized and thinking creatively but now I often feel confused and anxious. Here are my questions:
1). What type a specialist does diagnosing of dementia? How can I find an experienced Doctor with that specialty?
2). Should I have an evaluation done again, now?
Thanks for your help.
1). What type a specialist does diagnosing of dementia? How can I find an experienced Doctor with that specialty?
2). Should I have an evaluation done again, now?
Thanks for your help.
Brief Answer:
yes, should be assessed at this point
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
A psychiatrist or neurologist may be the best specialist to see. A psychiatrist may be the better option of the two if possible
The doctor would likely administer a examination called XXXXXXX mental state examination which accesses cognition (ability to think, remember and reason).
In addition, he or she would assess for any other conditions whether psychiatric or physical that may be impacting on mental state.
EG depression can sometimes present as dementia , this is just an example
They would be able to physically examine and may suggest blood tests and imaging.
These would be to look for any changes and any possible reversible causes.Blood tests such as complete blood count, electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, vitamin b12 and folate, hormones may also be suggested.
Imaging would likely be repeated.
I hope this helps ,feel free to ask any other questions
yes, should be assessed at this point
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
A psychiatrist or neurologist may be the best specialist to see. A psychiatrist may be the better option of the two if possible
The doctor would likely administer a examination called XXXXXXX mental state examination which accesses cognition (ability to think, remember and reason).
In addition, he or she would assess for any other conditions whether psychiatric or physical that may be impacting on mental state.
EG depression can sometimes present as dementia , this is just an example
They would be able to physically examine and may suggest blood tests and imaging.
These would be to look for any changes and any possible reversible causes.Blood tests such as complete blood count, electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, vitamin b12 and folate, hormones may also be suggested.
Imaging would likely be repeated.
I hope this helps ,feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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