My husband goes to an internist. I have thought for a long time that we need a neurologist or a dr who treats people with this type problem. But I have not found one yet. I have found several internist who only treat this problem, alzheimers.But they want us to leave our internist which we won't do. He has been going to the same internist for 30 yrs. I have read lots about alzheimers and have a good idea what stage he is in but I have not had a dr tell me. Our internist doesn't do or say much about his mental stage, he mostly treats only his physical problems, diabetes and a few other problems. What kind of dr have you found to be the best for treating and advising about his mental problems. I am an RN and up to this point I have pretty much told the dr what I feel my husband needs but it is getting out of my level of expertisel I need help, where do I go?
My Mom sees a family practice doc. He's been ok, not great but ok. There is a family practice algorithm for treating dementia and he has followed it. Our biggest problem with him is he doesn't listen well and it seems his philosophy
regarding life is different from ours. Of course I could be wrong but he seems more interested in quantity of days one has rather than quality.
So we are in the process of finding Mom another doc. A family practice doc will do us fine. Mom is an uncomplicated case, no agitation or aggression and probably a stage 6 pt. What we do need though is a doctor who will listen and be easy for us to talk to. One that is able to provide some guidance to my brother and I regarding some of the issues we may be facing down the road, such as when is it appropriate to stop Mom's routine meds; when is it time to consider hospice and how to make arrangements for it etc.
Most docs use algorithms and standards of care in their treatment of their pts and that's great. We are not going to "fix" Mom. Our top priority now is keeping her comfortable. Having a doctor that not only cares for Mom, but who will listen to and provide guidance to my brother and I is the best way to accomplish this in our opinion. Good Luck in your search.
I guess I don't see the point in seeing two internists, but keeping the current pcp and also seeing a neurologist makes sense.
Seeing the right doctors can make a huge difference in treatment. None of them have cures, of course, but it is quality of life you are looking for now, right? And some are much better at that than others.
Good luck!