Dementia Treatment And Alzheimer’s Care

Improving Memory, Focus, Communication and Function for Those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia symptoms can seriously hinder a person’s ability to function well. Those with dementia often report having trouble recalling familiar words or making decisions. They may forget what they just said or repeat the same question several times. Some find that getting disoriented prevents them from successfully performing tasks that they used to complete almost automatically, such as basic math or knitting.

Others say that the worst part of dementia is feeling their personalities change or their moods swing from one extreme to another. They may regret having angry outbursts or crying in front of friends or family members. It’s important to understand that victims of dementia are not at fault for these challenging symptoms.

Fortunately, we now have therapies to successfully treat certain types of dementia – especially with patients whose symptoms are caught early on. Many people who complete our program have been able to return to a more independent lifestyle.

Dr. Spiegel’s Dementia Treatment & Alzheimer’s Care Program:

Patients accepted into our Dementia Treatment & Alzheimer’s Care Program have been able to achieve the following:

1. Improved memory and mood

2. Increased ability to organize, plan, make decisions and solve problems

3. Easier, more accurate communication

4. Renewed focus

5. Greater interest in daily activities

The program takes an integrative approach that includes Occupational Therapy and other treatments listed below that can help to prevent, treat and slow the progression of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment. Medicare and most other insurers partially or fully cover the program.

How Can I Know if Your Program is Right for Me or My Family Member?

We understand how difficult it can be to live with the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Give us a call at (727) 787-7077, and we will be glad to answer your questions. To schedule a personalized consultation at our Palm Harbor, Florida center, simply click here. One of our helpful staff members will call to confirm your appointment.

Our Dementia and Memory Loss Treatment Program Includes:

Neurological Consultation:

Diagnosing dementia symptoms can be complex. That’s why the first step is to set up a neurological evaluation with Dr. Spiegel. Together, you will review your medical history of memory loss and other related symptoms – including any past treatments you have tried. We will also perform a few mini mental exercises to evaluate your memory.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing for Dementia:

During your initial office visit we will perform an electroencephalogram (EEG) test. This will measure your brain’s electrical activity and rule out seizures or other disorders that can impact brain function. Dr. Spiegel may also order an MRI or CT scan to rule out other less common causes of memory loss, such as a hemorrhage, tumor or stroke.

Memory Testing and Assessment: If your first visit and diagnostic tests show that your ability to think, remember or reason has been impaired, we will begin a more in depth assessment. We use computerized neurocognitive testing to accurately measure your brain function. These tests enable Dr. Spiegel to assess the degree of impairment and also further rule-out or identify whether certain medical conditions have caused your symptoms.

Comprehensive Lab Testing: As part of the diagnostic process, we will take blood and urine samples for analysis. This workup is to check whether a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes, thyroid disease or a vitamin B12 deficiency could
be causing your symptoms. We will also order a general chemical analysis, complete blood count and ESR (a test that measures the time it takes for red blood cells to fall or sediment down a tube).

Follow up Consultation and Medication to Improve Memory:

Once we receive all of your test results, Dr. Spiegel will meet with you again to discuss his findings. At that time, he will explain your treatment options and make recommendations. He may also prescribe medications that can help to improve your memory.

Occupational Therapy for Cognitive Rehabilitation:

During this phase of treatment, you begin visiting with our Occupational Therapists who will help you develop strategies and techniques to manage everyday routines and responsibilities in order to regain independence. These include making use of familiar devices, such as journals, calendars or possibly cell phone apps.

Therapists will also provide repetitive exercises geared to your unique needs. These help to restore function and improve your mental capacity. Many patients enjoy solving the written and/or computer-based games and puzzles – especially as they begin to see positive results and feel their self-confidence return. Usually, this restorative training takes four to six weeks to complete, and includes twice weekly visits.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Dementia and Memory Loss:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) works by flooding the body with oxygen in order to provide vital nutrients to the brain. If Dr. Spiegel determines that your symptoms are vascular in nature (resulting from impaired blood flow), HBOT can help to restore your memory.

Follow up Evaluations:

Dr. Spiegel will see you for visits throughout the program in order to closely monitor your progress and adjust any medications that he may have prescribed for you. Each patient’s progress is unique. As you make improvements, Dr. Spiegel will reassess your condition and fine tune your treatment plan.

Medicare and most other insurers partially or fully cover our Dementia Treatment & Alzheimer’s Care Program. We understand how challenging it can be to live with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment or vascular dementia. Please call us at (727) 787-7077, and we will be glad to answer your questions or schedule an appointment with Dr. Spiegel.