Geriatric Psychologist

@malibu2155

I'm not sure what you're asking in terms of help.

A geriatric psychologist for neurocognitive testing to determine what sort of dementia she might have and tease out the areas where she will need assistance with her IADLs?

Or do you mean a geriatric psychologist for talk therapy?

Or do you mean a geriatric psychiatrist for management of psychoactive medication?

When you say she was diagnosed but is still in stage 1; is this what her doctor told you? IME, physicians tend to use a 3-stage model based on treatment protocols whereas most caregivers/family use the 7-stage model which aligns with care needs.

To answer you question. Dad did see a neuropsychologist for some testing as part of the diagnostic process. His symptoms and behaviors didn't neatly align with a specific kind of dementia, and this helped confirm his mixed dementia diagnosis.

Like most PWD, dad had some anosognosia (can look like denial but is in fact an inability to recognize deficits) and such poor reasoning and memory that talk therapy would have been wasted on him. YMMV.

Dad did have depression, anxiety and aggressive behaviors. He saw a geri psychiatrist for medication to dial that back. This doc was far more useful to us once we had the firm diagnosis.

HB

My husband saw a Neuro Psychologist at the VA for testing before diagnosis. Later his Neurologist referred him to a Geriatric Psychiatrist who managed his anti-psychotic medications for anxiety, agitation and aggression. I can’t see how a Geriatric Psychologist would have been of help but it may be worth a couple of visits to see for your Mom. I would speak to him/her before the appointment and see what the appointments would entail and what outcome they hoped for. I found that counseling didn’t help my husband because he didn’t understand the purpose and didn’t remember the meetings and suggestions they gave. A Psychologist might help you cope as a caregiver though if they are familiar with dementia. 💜

@malibu2155

Oh, for you?

I don't know that I've ever heard of a geriatric psychologist for this sort of thing. Generally, they're the ones doing the neuropsychological exams for PWD as part of the diagnostic process or to establish competency related to guardianship/conservatorship.

It sounds like you are seeking a therapist of some sort— a psychologist, therapist or counseling social worker most likely. If your mom was seen at a large neurology practice or memory center, they may have people on their staff who could help you or refer you to someone in the area who focuses on this kind of counseling. If you have an EPA at work they might have a list of such people, your PCP or a local support group might as well. You can always come here and ask as well. TBH, I got more help in growing as a caregiver here than anywhere.

You didn't mention it, but it's a unity horse here so I will. The driving thing is tricky. If she's in the earliest stages, she might be competent to drive at the moment. Do you drive with her regularly? Have you looked over her car and seen dings and dents? Have you contacted her insurance agent to be certain her policy is effective with an Alzheimer's diagnosis in her medical record. Dad's policy was voided upon diagnosis which is pretty common.

HB