Town hall: Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and more

Drs. Frank Clark, Anu Nagar, Prexa Naik, Mike Parmer and Shilpa Srinivasan represent the full range of medical specialties that treat patients and caregivers who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive conditions during their senior years.

Questions about dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and more answered in this town hall, originally hosted on the Prisma Health Facebook page, included:

• What specific diseases does the term dementia actually refer to?
• What are signs of dementia?
• When should you be concerned about the possibility of dementia vs. what are normal signs of aging?
• If someone notices signs of dementia in a loved one, what should they do next?
• When should you speak to your primary care doctor if you are concerned about changes to your memory?
• Once someone has been diagnosed with a form of dementia, what are some common patient experiences and feelings?
• What is it like to have a family member with dementia?
• How can caregivers ensure they also care for themselves?
• What kinds of specialized care are available for patients struggling with dementia or other neurocognitive conditions?
• And more

“Being diagnosed with dementia is the start of a journey,” said Dr. Srinivasan. “The process that dementia takes is a continuum, where things can and will change over time, depending on when the person is diagnosed. The diagnosis of dementia can be scary, it can be alarming and anxiety-provoking, not only for the person with dementia but for caregivers as well.”

Speaking with your doctor about your concerns and seeking diagnosis and treatment as early as possible can help you to receive essential care more quickly and locate forms of support for you and your loved ones after diagnosis and during the long road ahead.