Geriatrician vs. Neurologist

Cat K · May 15

My DH's PCP referred him to a geriatrician, but I wondered if a neurologist would be better. The geriatrician (we had first visit in January and will see her May 20th) is 30 miles from our house. We could see a neurologist locally. Does anyone have an opinion on who is better to treat Alzheimer's/vascular dementia?

charley0419 · May 15

what stage ??

Cat K · May 15

I don't really know what stage he is, but I'm going to ask the geriatrician on the 20th. At DH's first appointment with the geriatrician she said he was mild. When I questioned this because it didn't seem mild to me, she said he was considered mild because he could still dress himself. He now needs help getting dressed, he sometimes puts his shoes on the wrong feet, he needs help getting in and out of the bathtub but he can feed himself and go to the bathroom. His condition has definitely declined since January. Hopefully I'll know what stage the doctor thinks he is on the 20th.

jfkoc · May 15

That Dr. knows next to nothing.

You need to read all you can about the correct protocol to diagnose. You are the one responsible to see that this is done correctly. Sorry but true. Just google…you will find lots to read.

Look up the neurologists within 1 hour of you and find one that specializes.

Another way to find a good Dr is to go to a support group. They will be very open about Drs etc. and tell you who is good and who to avoid.

blacksparky · May 15

I agree with jfkoc. Time to find a new Dr. my DW is definitely in late stage 5/early stage 6 and she still dresses herself, showers with a little guidance, eats with a fork, toilets all by herself and walks ( slower than she used to) daily. I would get recommendations for a Neurologist or PCP that truly understands this disease.

Cat K · May 15

Thank you jfkoc and blacksparky for your input. I truly appreciate it!

SDianeL · May 16

After the diagnosis, the Neurologist wasn’t much help. They don’t like to discuss stages so Google and look for a chart of the 7 stages of dementia that shows behaviors. The behaviors listed may overlap stages or not appear until later. It helped me to keep a list of my DH’s behaviors. If you make a list do not let your DH see it. For anxiety, agitation, delusions, hallucinations a Geriatric Psychiatrist is best to manage anti-psychotic meds. That was where I got the most help. We did have telehealth visits with his Neurologist every 6 months and I sent her info on the portal.

JeriLynn66 · May 16

If you will search "Tam Cummings" and "Stages of Dementia" you will find a tool to help determine which stage your loved one is in.

midge333 · May 16

Doctors more commonly use the 3 stage model - mild, moderate, and severe.

Geriatrician vs. Neurologist

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