Geriatric Psychiatry and Memory Clinic
Older adults have special physical, emotional, and social needs. Understanding this, the geriatric psychiatrist takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, including listening and responding to the concerns of the older adult, helping families, and when necessary, working with other health care professionals to develop effective approaches to treatment. Co-existing medical illnesses, medications, family issues, social concerns, and environmental issues are integrated into a comprehensive program of care.
Memory clinics, otherwise known as dementia diagnostic clinics, are staffed by providers who are well-informed in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Many things can cause dementia, a decline in intellectual ability severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily routine. Dementias related to depression, drug interaction and thyroid problems may be reversible if detected early. Other causes of dementia include strokes, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Pick’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is important to identify the actual cause in order for the individual to receive proper care.
