Behavior Neurologist?

JessiJ

In the last year I started taking care of a PWD that has been seeing a Behavior Neurologist.  I guess they specialize in memory problems and changing behavior.  I don't understand the benefits of this specialist.  I am not able to change to a general neurologist because she is seeing a specialist.  Has anyone worked with a behavioral neurologist?  What types of questions should I be asking this specialist?

thanks!

Jess

Emily 123

Hi Jessi,

It's a subspecialty of Neurology.  You are correct that the focus of care is behaviors, including dementias.   Other subspecialties that treat a person with dementia would be a geriatric psychiatrist, a neuropsychiatrist, or neuropsychologist. Any questions about behaviors, behavioral progression or management, medications, etc., would be appropriate.  They can either handle the patients meds themselves, or make recommendations to their regular provider.

M1

Sounds like a fancy label to me that probably doesn't mean much. Your state department of health will have a licensure website where you can look up credentials and training. Dog trainers probably have better luck at changing behaviors than most human practitioners, unless they specialise in 24/7 residential treatment. Sorry to be so cynical....but I would challenge them on it and ask for outcome data. I bet its not there.

Rescue mom

I’m just trying to figure out how you change behaviors in a person with midstage or later  dementia who A. Doesn’t realize they’re doing whatever they’re doing, and/or doesn’t realize it’s wrong, and B. Probably can’t remember any “lessons,” or advice or guidelines they were given about it anyway. Meds, I understand that. And I understand how the *caregiver* could get advice on how to manage the PWDs behaviors. But the PWD themself?

JJ401

‘started taking care of a PWD’— Do you have POA for healthcare?

‘I am not able to change to a general neurologist because she is seeing a specialist’ — The person who holds the POA for healthcare can. If that’s you, you can make the change.

JessiJ

Thanks for all the responses.  I am in agreement that I just don't get how you can change the behavior of a PWD.  I tried to move the person to my LO neurologist and the neurologist refused to take her because she was seeing a behavioral neurologist.  I guess I will have to try a different neurologist that will take the PWD on.

M1

Now that Sounds like a dodge on the part of the “new” neurologist who probably just didn’t want another dementia patient, honestly. Complete BS and unethical, in my opinion. People change docs for all kinds of reasons and you shouldn’t even ask who they’ve seen previously. Keep asking, probably good that you didn’t end up with this one.

Marta

Why do you feel the need to change neurologists?