Mailbox Response

The question was submitted Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Subject: Dementia

MY 80year old husband suffers from frontal dementia and is exhibiting signs of paranoia and psychotic behaviour. Have been consulting G.P. and a Neuroligist. Would seeing a Psycholist or some other person help?

Answer from DementiaNet

I suggest that you talk to you GP about a referral to a geriatrician. Geriatricians are specialists who assess all of the needs of the patients including physical, behavioural and social. They work with nurses, occupational therapists and social workers. In many cases the geriatrician will also have close contact with the local aged care team so that services can be readily provided at home for the patient. Input from a psychologist is less important at this time based on your description of your husband’s condition.

The answer was published on DementiaNet Thursday, 25 September 2008