Alzheimer’s and Late-Stage Dementia

Many forms of dementia — particularly Alzheimer’s — start slowly but can snowball over time. Though there is no cure for this condition, treatments can slow its progression and buy you more time with the people you love. Advanced Psychiatry Associates specializes in helping those going through late-stage dementia and final-stage Alzheimer’s by addressing symptoms and treating them with the care and compassion they deserve.

We know having Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who has the disease can be a frightening and frustrating experience. Our private, full-service facilities are ideal for people in:

• Auburn
• Elk Grove
• Encino
• Fairfield
• Folsom
• Irvine
• Roseville
• Sacramento
• San Diego
• Walnut Creek
• West Covina

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, the umbrella term for symptoms of mental decline that come with degenerative brain diseases. It can impact memory, concentration and critical thinking and last anywhere from a few months to decades. Getting a diagnosis for this serious condition is the first step on a long path of Alzheimer’s disease treatment. People with Alzheimer’s require the right assistance to preserve their safety and well-being as the condition progresses.

Care centers like Advanced Psychiatry Associates categorize the progression of Alzheimer’s through three distinct stages:

1. Early or mild: 
2. In the early stage, symptoms may not be immediately recognizable, even to those close to the affected individual. The person may experience lapses in memory but can generally still function on their own.
3. Middle or moderate: As more nerve cells decay, Alzheimer’s symptoms become more pronounced. This stage is when most people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and the moderate stage lasts longer than any other. Patients may experience significant confusion about simple facts and act out of character, becoming more frustrated and upset with their condition. They will need more and more assistance getting through the day.
4. Late or severe: In final-stage Alzheimer’s, the patient may lose the ability to communicate and control their movements. They require around-the-clock care and are more susceptible to illnesses like pneumonia.

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Though the diagnosis, progression and symptoms of Alzheimer’s are still shrouded in many mysteries, we do know that the condition is likely caused by protein buildup in and around the brain cells. This process begins long before any symptoms show up, meaning most people have significant damage by the time they’re diagnosed. This protein buildup can decrease neurotransmitter levels and cause areas of the brain to shrink and lose functions, resulting in symptoms like:

• Short-term memory issues
• Misplacing items
• Inability to remember words
• Trouble performing daily tasks
• Impaired judgment and reasoning skills

Over the long-term, people with Alzheimer’s may develop depression or insomnia. They can also feel paranoid or experience hallucinations. Agitation and anger may grow the longer someone lives with Alzheimer’s. Early intervention may improve the patient’s quality of life and keep symptoms from worsening.

Our psychiatrist for Alzheimer’s disease can assess you or a loved one using tests that gauge memory and thinking as well as brain imaging to diagnose the condition. By working with a team that knows and cares about your loved one, you get the support and insight you need. We rely on the latest research to shape our treatments, and our comprehensive care facilitates a better quality of life for you or your loved one. As the medical community’s understanding of Alzheimer’s continues to evolve, we can use the latest research to help you.

Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s Patients

In many cases, treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s is the best way to help those afflicted get the most quality from their life. At Advanced Psychiatry Associates, our treatment options include these services, allowing us to develop unique, comprehensive plans for each client’s needs:

• Therapy and counseling: As communication becomes more challenging for many Alzheimer’s patients, it can be helpful for them to meet with a medical professional who can teach them to explore alternative means of expressing themselves.
• Psychiatric medication management: Medication is a key treatment factor for many of our Alzheimer’s patients. As new studies and tests present innovative options, our medical staff can determine which patients would react best to them.
• Co-occurring disorder treatment: Alzheimer’s patients deal with other mental illnesses as regularly as everyone else. We’re qualified to treat other conditions like depression, OCD and substance use disorder, so they can get all of their treatments from the same team.
• Late-stage dementia treatment: In any of the stages of dementia, the life expectancy can vary by years. Every patient is different, and Advanced Psychiatry Associates works with eachclient to create a treatment plan that accounts for their needs and wants for as long as they’re with us. Our skilled caretakers have lots of experience working with those at the end of their journey, so even in your loved one’s final moments, they can feel comfortable and cared for.

Caring Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease in California

The superior care offered by Advanced Psychiatry Associates sets us apart from other Alzheimer’s disease treatment in California. Our team of physicians and nurses treat a range of mental health disorders. No other facility within our four-county area offers such an array of treatments and care for Alzheimer’s disease.

We provide all our services in a relaxed outpatient setting. You can receive a variety of services at Advanced Psychiatry Associates, making it convenient for busy patients and caregivers. Many of our patients and families appreciate this one-stop approach to Alzheimer’s care. Doing everything at one place cuts down on the time you have to spend finding a medication provider, following up on lab work or coordinating treatment options.

We accept most major insurance providers, including Medicare, and we can also work with workers’ compensation recipients. We accept cash payments, too.

Contact Advanced Psychiatry Associates to Schedule an Appointment

You don’t have to fight Alzheimer’s disease alone. We are learning more about the disease every day, and want to help you deal with the way it impacts your family. If you suspect you or a family member have Alzheimer’s disease, don’t wait another day to seek help.

Getting a diagnosis is an important first step to understanding what is happening to you or a loved one, and getting the assistance you need. This intervention can make the condition more manageable in the short-term and assist with planning for longer-term mental health care.

Understanding the major concerns for those with Alzheimer’s and setting up the right treatment plan can make living with the disease a little easier. Let us help you, or someone close to you get the right diagnosis and care. To schedule your appointment, fill out our online contact form or call us at one of our 9 locations. We can also answer any questions you have via our live chat option, located in the lower-left corner of the page. Reach out to us today.