Alzheimer’s disease affects how the brain works, making it harder to remember things, think clearly, and do everyday tasks. A neurologist — a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system — can play a key role in helping people with Alzheimer’s get the care they need.

In this article, we’ll explore how a neurologist can help in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s.

How Neurologists Help Diagnose Alzheimer’s

The first step in treating Alzheimer’s is getting the right diagnosis. A neurologist plays a big role in this. Keep in mind that there’s not a singular test for Alzheimer’s, so a neurologist will use several tools to determine the diagnosis.

Medical History

A neurologist will ask about your symptoms, family history, and any past health problems. They may ask whether anyone else in your family has had Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. If you’re experiencing symptoms, they’ll ask for details about your symptoms. This may include when the symptoms began, if they’ve gotten worse, and how often they occur.

Physical and Mental Tests

Your neurologist may have you perform a number of tests to check your memory, balance, reflexes, and other problem-solving abilities. This can help them rule out other diagnoses like Parkinson’s, tumors in the brain, or other neurologic (brain) conditions.

Imaging

Neurologists can order imaging scans like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or computed tomography (CT) to take a close look at the brain. These images help them see if there are changes or abnormalities linked to Alzheimer’s. For instance, they may be able to detect if there are high levels of beta-amyloid, a protein that plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

Lab Tests

Genetic testing, blood tests, or spinal fluid tests can also help neurologists rule out other causes of memory loss. A neurologist can order these tests and explain what the results mean for you and your health.

Getting a clear diagnosis helps your healthcare providers create the best treatment plan.

How Neurologists Help With Alzheimer’s Treatment

Neurologists are your best resource for information on treatment for Alzheimer’s. They can prescribe medication, recommend other treatment options, and help you understand what options are available to you.

Prescribe Medication

There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but some medications can help with symptoms. Medication won’t stop Alzheimer’s, but it may slow down symptoms for a while, especially if started early in the disease course. A neurologist can prescribe these medications and check on you regularly to see how they’re working, help manage any side effects you may experience, or adjust the dosage or medication if needed.

Recommend Non-Medication Treatments

Medicine isn’t the only way to treat Alzheimer’s, and neurologists can suggest nondrug therapies, lifestyle changes, and engaging activities to help maintain one’s well-being and improve their quality of life.

Some helpful recommendations include:

• Music therapy — Listening to music, singing, and other rhythmic exercises has been shown to improve Alzheimer’s symptoms and behaviors.
• Exercise — If safe to do, light exercise and physical therapy can help someone with Alzheimer’s maintain balance and strength.
• Cognitive therapies — Activities like puzzles, games, storytelling, or math problems can keep the brain active.
• Orientation training — This type of therapy helps someone orient themselves in time and space, which can be difficult for someone who is experiencing memory changes. Examples of this include recalling the names of different places and specific events or time periods.
• Routine and structure — Keeping a regular daily schedule may help improve mood and reduce agitation.

Your neurologist can help you start any of these treatments. If you have questions or you’re interested in learning more about them, your neurologist can be a great resource.

Help With Clinical Trial Placement

Neurologists are often aware of clinical trials or research studies. Clinical trials are important because they test new Alzheimer’s treatments, methods of diagnosing the condition, and prevention measures.

If you or your loved one is interested in participating in a clinical trial, your neurologist can:

• Explain what the trial is about
• Check if the individual qualifies
• Help with the sign-up process
• Monitor your status throughout the trial

Some members of myALZteam have participated in clinical trials. “I saw my neurologist today. It was a very good visit,” one member shared. “He ran some memory tests. He said after two years in the drug trial, I’m holding steady. I feel very relieved.”

It can be difficult to make important decisions like this, especially when you have a condition that affects the functioning of your brain. Neurologists can help you decide if you’re able to make this decision yourself, or they may recommend you choose a trusted person to make this decision for you.

Joining and participating in a clinical trial is a personal choice. It may offer access to new treatments, but it also comes with risks. The neurologist will help the individual and their loved ones understand the pros and cons.

Other Ways Neurologists Can Help Someone With Alzheimer’s

Neurologists can assist someone with Alzheimer’s outside of treatment, too. They can provide referrals to other healthcare providers and give support to caregivers and loved ones.

Provide Referrals to Other Healthcare Providers

Alzheimer’s affects many parts of life, so it’s often helpful to see more than one kind of doctor. One myALZteam member wrote, “We’ve seen both a general practitioner and neurologist. Diagnosis from the GP really was enough, although neurologists can do more in depth and might have a better understanding of disease and medications.”

While neurologists are key players, they’re not the only healthcare providers involved in Alzheimer’s care. Luckily, neurologists can provide referrals to other professionals who can help.

This may include healthcare providers such as:

• Geriatricians — Geriatricians are doctors that specialize in caring for older adults. They understand how aging affects the body and brain, and they often work closely with neurologists.
• Psychiatrists and social workers — These mental health experts help understand and treat mental health concerns and behavioral symptoms. They are often equipped to help with depression, anxiety, or aggression, which sometimes happen with Alzheimer’s.
• Occupational therapists — These experts, along with speech and physical therapists, help people maintain their independence with daily tasks and assist with communication.

Each healthcare professional brings something important to the care team. Working together, they help those with Alzheimer’s have the best quality of life.

Assist Family Members and Caregivers

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult. Neurologists understand this and can often provide tips and information to support caregivers and family members. To help support caregivers, neurologists often can:

• Answer questions about the disease, especially as it progresses
• Offer advice on how to handle care
• Suggest local support groups or counseling
• Help with long-term planning like financial and legal decisions

Caregivers are a big part of the care team. When they feel supported, they can provide better care and stay healthy themselves.

Navigate Alzheimer’s With Expert Support

Alzheimer’s is a challenging disease, but you don’t have to face it alone. A neurologist can be a trusted guide on this journey. From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, they offer expert care for the brain and support for the whole family.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of memory loss, talk to your primary care doctor. They may refer you to a neurologist, or you can ask if it would be beneficial to schedule an appointment with one. The sooner you get answers, the sooner you can start receiving the right care.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s disease.

Have you worked with a neurologist during the Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment process? What other healthcare professionals have been a part of your Alzheimer’s journey? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.