Alzheimer's

I have over 8 years of experience working with caregivers, families and people living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. From processing the complicated grief to developing plans of action to address behaviors, I have been able to successfully help family navigate this difficult disease.

I hold a special interest in providing psychiatric care to the aging population, particularly those affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. My experience has equipped me with the knowledge to address the complex mental health needs that often accompany aging and neurocognitive disorders. I am dedicated to creating individualized treatment plans that alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and support both patients and their caregivers through this challenging journey.

Prior to graduate school, I worked at an assisted living facility, where I worked with seniors with mild to severe cognitive impairments. Individuals with Alzheimer's hold a special place in my heart, as I know how impactful the disease can be on one's life and those around them. I am also equipped to work with caregivers or family members who are affected by their loved one's Alzheimer's.

Prior to graduate school. I worked in an assisted living home with individuals who had mild to severe cognitive impairments. Those with Alzheimer's hold a special place in my heart, as I know how impactful this disease can be on one life's and on those around them. I am also equipped to work with caregivers or family members who are affected by a loved one's Alzheimer's.

Over 20 years of experience working with and treating patients with Alzheimer's with a holistic approach to care.

I have many years of experience evaluating and determining a variety of dementia types. Alzheimer's is the most common neurodegenerative disease. However, memory loss may also be related to many other causes. During my evaluations I am able to look at specific cognitive performance patterns and diagnose a variety of dementias and/or other causes for memory loss.

Patricia Hanson, LPC, leads IKOR of Western Pennsylvania, emphasizing compassionate dementia care. Utilizing her advanced counseling background and specialized training, she creates tailored strategies for dementia patients, ensuring their emotional and psychosocial needs are met. Under her "Solutions for Dignity" programs, families receive holistic support, blending medical insights with understanding the unique challenges dementia presents.

For more than 15 years, I have conducted research related to dementia, and have worked with clients coping with a dementia diagnosis (either their own or a loved one's). I have a deep understanding of the challenging behaviors associated with dementia and how to manage them, as well as techniques to decrease caregiver stress.

I specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia after working in the aging field for several years. I work with both individuals with memory loss and individuals caring for someone with memory loss. Someone with Alzheimer's or dementia can still participate in therapy in the early stages and I am to be a support and encouraging force during many unknowns.

Caring for a care recipient with Alzheimer's.

I specialize in helping families coping with all the dementias. I provide an online support group on the 3rd Saturday of each month at no cost. I will provide support for those facing the onset of dementia, and the entire family as you make decisions, explore options, and grieve the multiple losses involved in dementia. I teach courses for therapists and the community about dementia and what needs are involved, as well as what resources.

In practice, I often use state of the art assessment instruments to help people determine what is typical age-related decline vs what may be a neurocognitive disorder, which may include Alzheimer's, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, and others.

I'm a Certified Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Specialist & emphasize compassion & understanding. I work with clients, their families, & doctors to not only slow the progression & educate, but to create a supportive network. I address challenging behaviors, memory issues, & elder disorder complexities, guided by empathy & commitment to wellbeing. Together, we navigate these disorders seeking an improved quality or life & moments of joy amid the challenges.

In practice, I often use state of the art assessment instruments to help people determine what is typical age-related decline vs what may be a neurocognitive disorder, which may include Alzheimer's, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, and others.