North Valley Neurology & Sleep © All Rights Reserved.  

3815 E. Bell Rd. #2400
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 482-2116

FAX: (602) 482-9563

A common concern is that a family member or loved one might have dementia. A person who has dementia generally has difficulty with short term memory and at least one other cognitive function, such as language or visual processing ability. There are several types of dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s Disease.

We provide a complete evaluation to investigate the cause of memory impairment. This is very important because even though dementia is a common disease state, there are treatable conditions that can mimic dementia. Some treatable conditions include medications (including over the counter medications) and depression.

After we diagnose someone with dementia we provide treatment tailored for each individual patient. There are often other concerns besides memory, such as personal care issues, personality change, aggression and paranoia. Sometimes this is a real concern for a persons safety, including fall risk, non-purposeful self injurious behaviour (such as leaving the stove on causing a fire hazard) or even wandering out of the house and not being able to find their way back home.

It is important to realize that dementia symptoms worsen over time, and therefore treatment often changes over time. We constantly reevaluate our patients and work to keep your loved ones at home as long as possible. Initial treatment generally includes medications. As time goes on, if the need arises, we can facilitate home care assistance or long term placement options.