Neurologists, also known as dementia doctors, diagnose all neurological disorders, including dementia. Dementia is a general term used to describe impaired thinking that makes it more challenging for an individual to remember, think, or make important decisions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
How Common is Dementia
Dementia is a very common disease affecting many individuals nationwide, and neurologists treat numerous patients with this condition. In Texas, 11.7% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. And 400,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Texas. More specifically, in Dallas County, 12% of Medicare beneficiaries were treated for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Common Symptoms of Dementia
So, how can you tell if you or a loved one may have dementia? Well, to know for sure, you must be seen by a neurologist. A neurologist can conduct many tests and procedures to determine if you have dementia. However, before you search the Internet for dementia doctor near me, you must know some common symptoms, so you can more fully determine if it is time for you or a loved one to see your local neurologist.
Here are some of the most common documented dementia symptoms:
- memory loss
- difficulty concentrating
- finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- being confused about time and place
- mood changes
These are just some examples. And it’s essential to recognize that various forms of dementia affect certain people differently, so symptoms are often experienced in a unique manner.
Sometimes, it is easy to overlook signs of dementia and attribute them to the natural aging process. However, dementia is not a natural part of aging. So, if you experience symptoms of this condition, it is best to consult your local dementia doctor.
In addition, certain risk factors can make someone more susceptible to dementia. The older someone gets, the more likely they are to get dementia. Most cases of dementia affect those who are 65 and older. Having a family history of dementia can also increase the risk. For example, if you have a parent who has dementia, then there’s a higher chance that you could get the disease. Moreover, it has been found that certain races have higher rates of dementia. For instance, African Americans are twice more likely to have dementia than whites, and Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to have dementia than whites. Another risk factor is head injuries. A head injury, especially if it is severe, can increase the risk.
TIND Dementia Doctors
In conclusion, neurologists are dementia doctors who can properly diagnose and treat dementia. If you need to see a neurologist to determine whether or not you have dementia, the TIND team has some of the best neurologists in Dallas, Texas, and the North Texas regions. We have 11 clinic locations, and our facilities are equipped with the most advanced medical technologies. So, if you need to schedule an appointment with our dementia specialists, contact our team today!