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Aging and Dementia Specialist in Fairfax
As you or a loved one grows older, changes in memory, reasoning, and daily function can be concerning.
Occasional forgetfulness is normal with age, but if you’ve noticed persistent confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, or behavioral changes, it may be time to see an aging and dementia specialist.
The right provider can help slow progression and improve quality of life through early intervention and personalized care.
How Do You Find a Specialist Who Can Provide the Best Dementia Care?
Not all medical providers have the experience needed to diagnose and manage dementia effectively.
When searching for an aging and dementia specialist, look for someone who:
- Has expertise in diagnosing different types of dementia and age-related cognitive decline.
- Uses advanced diagnostic tools, such as brain scans with neurofeedback therapy, to assess cognitive function.
- Takes a patient-centered approach, offering individualized treatment plans rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
- Provides a combination of medical, therapeutic, and lifestyle interventions to manage symptoms.
A specialist who takes the time to understand the full scope of cognitive changes and offers a range of treatments can delay disease progression and improve the patient's overall well-being.
What Types of Dementia Can a Specialist Diagnose and Treat?
Dementia is an umbrella term for various conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behavior.
A specialist can diagnose and manage different types, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease: The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's(link to new landing page) is characterized by gradual memory loss, disorientation, and cognitive decline.
- Vascular dementia: This type is caused by a reduction of blood flow to the brain. It often follows a stroke, though it may be due to chronic conditions like hypertension.
- Lewy body dementia (LBD): This type is marked by visual hallucinations, movement issues, and fluctuations in cognitive function.
- Frontotemporal dementia: Primarily affecting personality, behavior, and language, this form of dementia often appears earlier than other types.
- Parkinson’s disease dementia: Developing in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, it can lead to difficulties with thinking, memory, and movement.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Often linked to chronic alcohol use, this condition results in confusion, poor coordination, and severe memory impairment. It is a neurodegenerative disorder similar to dementia.
- Mixed dementia: This is a combination of different types of dementia.
Why Is a Comprehensive Approach Essential for Dementia Care?
Care isn’t just about treating symptoms. It’s also about providing a better quality of life for you and slowing progression through a variety of evidence-based therapies.
A specialist should offer a comprehensive range of services and take a multidisciplinary approach that may involve referrals to other providers, such as physical therapists.
They will create a personalized dementia care plan that addresses your unique needs to help maintain function and independence for as long as possible.
Dementia treatment may include:
- Medication management: Certain medications can help slow cognitive decline and / or manage behavioral symptoms.
- Brain mapping and neurofeedback therapy: These cutting-edge techniques analyze brain activity and provide targeted interventions to improve cognitive function through a quantitative electroencephalogram, or qEEG.
- Physical therapy: This therapy helps maintain mobility, balance, and strength to prevent falls and maintain more independence.
- Occupational therapy: To support daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, and using assistive devices, occupational therapy may be recommended.
- Cognitive rehabilitation: Personalized brain exercises designed to enhance memory, problem-solving, and mental clarity can help delay the decline of cognitive function.
Where Can You Turn for an Outstanding Aging and Dementia Specialist in Fairfax?
Turn to the caring team at Virginia Family Medicine by calling us today at 703-383-4836.
Finding the right care provider is essential for ensuring the best possible outcome when you or your loved one are diagnosed with dementia.
At Virginia Family Medicine, we offer a blend of medical expertise, compassionate support, and state-of-the-art treatment options.
Our dedicated team takes a holistic, patient-first approach to diagnosing and managing memory disorders, so call now to get started!