Dementia is a neurological illness in which the patient suffers progressive loss of memory, judgment, and awareness. It may be accompanied by problems with speech, social behaviors, toileting, and walking. The patient is frequently unaware of changes that family members notice as declines in daily living skills and memory, or alterations in personality and reasoning ability. Since there are many different kinds of dementia, accurate diagnosis is important. Some forms of dementia are treatable, while others are not. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.
Patients have special needs.......
The dementia patient requires progressively intensified care and management by the family or other caregivers. As patients lose the ability to remember important events and people, manage finances, navigate and drive, prepare meals, and maintain safety, family members must provide assistance. Often, patients are unable to comprehend their own inability to function, and may exhibit emotional and behavioral symptoms, which are difficult for loved ones to understand. Strong support and education of the caregivers enables the patient to remain in the home as long as possible, with enhanced quality of life for everyone in the family.
A multidisciplinary approach.....
A multidisciplinary approach assures that the correct diagnosis is reached. Specialists in Neurology, Neuropsychology, Gerontology, Psychiatry, Family Therapy, Neuro-radiology, Endocrinology, and Rehabilitation must be involved if the patient is to be diagnosed and treated appropriately. The Center for Memory Loss and Dementia is an outpatient clinic utilizing the talents of all these medical specialists. Whether the patient has age-related memory loss or a more severe problem, the team will assess the symptoms thoroughly, obtain appropriate laboratory and imaging studies, and recommend treatment plus long-term management suited to the individual needs of the patient. Appointments for all specialist care can be made at the Center.
The Center's Goal...
A crucial part of this diagnostic process is obtaining observations from the family about the behavioral changes and level of functioning of the patient. The dementia patient may be unable to report accurately on any decline in functioning. Therefore, it is very important for a close family member to attend diagnostic appointments with the patient. During the initial appointment, a neurologist will conduct a complete assessment of the patient while a Family and Caregiver Specialist is interviewing the caregiver(s). After all assessments are completed, the patient and family will meet with the Center staff to receive the diagnostic results and treatment recommendations.
Thereafter, the family will receive education and support regarding the management of the patient, if a diagnosis of dementia is made. This intensive individual support from the Center Family Specialist for family members, as well as the small group education series, has been shown to improve caregiver competence, energy level, and mood. In addition, the welfare of dementia patients is enhanced since they are able to remain in the home longer. There is, of course, a considerable financial advantage of remaining in the home rather than using expensive assisted living and nursing home care.
The Center's goal is to keep the patient in the family home as long as possible. However, if a crisis situation develops, the patient may be admitted briefly to a neuro-psychiatric care unit called Senior Choice at Presbyterian Hospital. In addition, the Center will coordinate all evaluation and treatment/management with the patient's primary care physician.
Appointments may be made for an initial evaluation by calling (405)271-3635.
Patients and family are seen at Presbyterian Professional Office Building.
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