Alzheimer's

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.

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.

I've cared for people who have Alzheimer's and Dementia, in their homes, focusing on empowering them to live lives that matter. I've developed close relationships with them so that I can understand how to best support them in memory loss, confusion, anxiety and emotional distress. I've also worked with loved ones caring for them at home, supporting them in their own self care and stress management.

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 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.

As you age, concerns regarding cognitive functioning may emerge as does curiosity about how to optimize healthy cognitive functioning. To best determine what interventions are a good fit, a Neurocognitive Screening Exam can be helpful to the development of customized recommendations for memory and cognitive problems before they become more severe. This evaluation aids in monitoring your cognitive functioning as you age and can be repeated annually to track changes in your thinking abilities.

depression due to a loss of independence, anxiety, caregiver stress

My family has a multigenerational relationship with Alzheimer's disease. My most recent experience is being a caregiver to my mother. I realized then that there is a lack of support for caregivers be it spouses, children, or friends. I became a therapist for my community of caregivers and it is my greatest gift to be of service to those who share this journey. With education and tools for self care this is a journey that can be supported with love and empathy and a safe space to grieve.