Dementia

An elderly man facing a daunting maze of paths

  • Dementia, or neurocognitive disorder, is used to describe a consistent worsening in how the brain functions, which in turn affects how someone functions in everyday life. This can cause difficulties in terms of learning and memory, language, movement or problem solving.

    There are many different causes for these symptoms. More detailed information is available here from the National Institutes of Mental Health.

  • The symptoms can often be subtle and may involve increased forgetfulness, losing things or getting lost in familiar surroundings. In some cases, it can lead to a change in someone behavior, making them agitated or overly emotional, even aggressive in some cases. This is often a significant change in someones’s personality and causes grave concern to close family members.

  • Working with a doctor who has experience and expertise in treating anxiety is the best start.

    Unfortunately, there are no current treatments to stop or slow neurodegenerative disease but there are medications which can help the symptoms associated with these conditions.

    There are many medical causes for these symptoms and it is important to see a doctor who can complete a medical evaluation to rule out another medical condition, which can be treated. When other causes have been excluded, an experienced psychiatrist can help work with you to make a personalized, focused treatment plan to address these debilitating symptoms and help you to move forward with life.

    If these symptoms are impacting you and your life, or if you would like to learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr Kennedy today.

    Click here to schedule and take the first step in treatment.

  • The National Institute of Mental Health has provided a patient information guide to dementia and memory issues .

    Click here to download this guide, free of charge, direct from their website.

    (Dr. Nigel I. Kennedy MD PhD is not responsible for the content of external websites)

As a specialist psychiatrist, Dr. Kennedy has extensive clinical experience working with patients experiencing dementia, and supporting their families. Treatment commonly involves medication management to treat any underlying medical issues contributing to symptoms and to help patients maintain as much independent function as possible for as long as possible. The first session is an extensive evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and to explore options for treatment. Click here to arrange a brief courtesy call or to schedule an appointment.