What should be expected of a neurologist treating Alzheimer’s?

My husband was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. We had dr appt sept thru mar til diagnosis. Then he was seen once a month til June and now its yearly also. Unless needed for something. Our pcp does the monthly visits now.

My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last November by a neuropsychologist. Her neurologist subsequently started her on 5mg Aricept, which seemed to help her memory. 6 months later, her neurologist increased the dose to 10mg since it seemed to be helping and she was tolerating it. She has visits with her neurologist every six months. There is really nothing more to do except monitor the progress of the disease. The Aricept will not work long term. Other drugs on the market for symptoms are of limited effectiveness and still others are still experimental. She sees her PCP annually to monitor other aspects of her health.

You (and your family) need to do your own research into this horrible disease. There is not much the dr can do. The disease effects everyone differently. All drugs on the market effect people differently, some with side effects and some with no side effects . My wife sees her neurologist once a year and lets us know what the current research is for the disease but because of the serious side effects of all the current FDA approved medications, he will not prescribe it for his patients.
As caregivers, attend the Alzheimer’s Association sessions and you will receive more information than you may want(?) but all the sessions are good

My wife was on Arecept but had to get off it because of the side effects

The only thing that works for my wife is exercise! She will get on a treadmill and walk for 90 - 120 minutes every other day and her mood and thought process improves tremendously. If she skips a day, watch out world 🙁

I realize we may be the outliers here, but I chose the path of neuropsychology along with a geriatrician who specializes in dementia. My husband has MCI and they have not said dementia or Alzheimer’s. He is losing executive function, spacial recognition, and ability to process a story or project. But in many ways is still very functional and enjoyable to be around ( when I remember patience, no arguing, and smile).
I am pretty much taking over finances and planning.
He is not on any prescription medicine. He is taking about 10 supplements all prescribed by the neuropsychologist and an MD. He exercises at least 5 days a week and is staying as social as possible. The neuro psych would like him on a keto diet and that’s too difficult for us who have been plant based, so we now eat some red meat but pretty much follow a MIND diet.
Together we see one neuropsychologist once a month. My husband also has another neuropsychologist who he has phone consults with every other week. This is more for guidance and therapy. We have a friend who is a neurologist and whose wife is a neuropsychologist and he said there would be nothing else he could do as long as we have a diagnosis and plan.
The geriatrician ordered a speech therapist who came over yesterday. They will be working on cognitive games etc. I also have subscribed to Brain HQ.
We have also looked into the Bredesen Reversing Alzheimer’s program but feel satisfied with the doctors we have here.
After awhile we may need to simplify it all and accept more cognitive decline as we go, but for now at this stage we are doing all we can to slow down the decline and keep brain cells working.

As previously mentioned, our neurologist did an initial assessment of my wife, prescribed Namenda, and ordered several diagnostics and PT. We stopped the med due to negative side effects, and went forward with most of the diagnostics. She sees her GP regularly and as needed -- and he is our principal consultant on her ongoing care. For special needs, we get referred back to the neurologist, or to other specialists.

/LarryG

My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about five years ago and, pretty much, has had the same experience with her neuropsychiatrist. Similar to what tgeno wrote.

Hi @Ik196,
Don't be disillusioned. It is all about making your loved one healthy and content with life. Enjoying their company and enjoying life together as it is.
I used to jump into deep search for the best approach that would stop this disease and look for the reversible solution. I haven't found it. I began to understand the disease and adjusted my life to make my wife's life comfortable. I look forward to the semiannual visits with the neuropsychiatrist and the regular family doctor for the health management discussions. She has moderate Alzheimers Disease and needs much attention. It's great to be together even when together has a new reality.
Don't be disillusioned.
Peace be with you.

I love that”great to be together when together has a new reality. “
And I have to forgive the times that are not so great;)