One of the highlights of this year’s Alzheimer’s EXPO was a physician panel that brought together experts with experience in geriatrics, primary care, memory care, hospice, and medical education. Rather than focusing solely on Alzheimer’s disease itself, the discussion addressed the entire dementia journey—from recognizing the first signs and receiving a diagnosis to navigating treatment decisions, planning for the future, and finding hope along the way.
Divine Home Care Services and the co-organizers of the EXPO wish to thank doctors Ben Perry MD, Nick Scwedock MD, Josh Wesley MD, and Michael Jahrmarkt MD, for their time and their extraordinary contribution to our program.
The conversation moderated by Divine’s principal Eduardo Berdegué, began with one of the greatest challenges facing families: diagnosis. The panel acknowledged that dementia is often difficult to recognize in its earliest stages. Many families notice subtle changes long before they seek medical advice, while individuals experiencing memory loss may minimize or dismiss their symptoms. Likewise, a brief doctor’s visit may not always reveal cognitive impairment because many people with early dementia continue to function well in familiar environments and can compensate during short conversations.
The physicians emphasized that an accurate diagnosis is important because it allows patients and families to understand what they are facing, plan ahead, and gain access to appropriate treatments and community resources. Advances in medicine, including new blood tests, specialized brain imaging, and selected genetic testing, are improving physicians’ ability to diagnose dementia earlier and more accurately. However, these tools are not necessary for every patient, and evaluation should always be individualized based on symptoms, medical history, and family circumstances.
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is emotionally overwhelming for patients and their loved ones. The panel stressed the importance of delivering the diagnosis honestly while also providing hope. Although there is currently no cure, there is much that can be done to improve quality of life, manage symptoms, support caregivers, and help families prepare for the future.
Treatment has changed considerably over the past several years. While newer medications may slow disease progression for some individuals, they are not appropriate for everyone and should be viewed as only one component of care. Successful dementia care extends far beyond prescriptions. Education, caregiver support, physical activity, cognitive engagement, proper nutrition, management of other medical conditions, and social interaction all contribute to helping individuals maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
The panel also highlighted that dementia affects much more than memory. As the disease progresses, families may notice changes in communication, judgment, mobility, behavior, sleep, eating, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Understanding these changes ahead of time helps caregivers anticipate future needs rather than constantly reacting to crises.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on supporting caregivers. One example was the GUIDE Program, which represents a more comprehensive approach to dementia care by coordinating medical care with caregiver education, community resources, and ongoing support. This type of collaborative care recognizes that caring for the caregiver is essential to caring for the patient.
The physicians also addressed some of the difficult decisions every family eventually faces. Many older adults live with several chronic health conditions in addition to dementia, requiring physicians to consider the whole person rather than focusing on a single diagnosis. Medical decisions often involve balancing treatments for multiple conditions while keeping the patient’s goals, comfort, and quality of life at the center of every decision.
Beyond medications, families were encouraged to consider interventions that preserve dignity and maximize daily enjoyment. Maintaining routines, encouraging meaningful activities, promoting social engagement, and adapting the home environment can often have a profound impact on both the individual living with dementia and those caring for them.
Another challenging topic involved deciding when aggressive medical treatment may no longer provide meaningful benefit. The panel discussed how hospice care can become an important resource, focusing on comfort, symptom management, emotional support, and helping families through one of life’s most difficult transitions. Rather than representing “giving up,” hospice often allows patients and families to experience greater comfort and support during advanced stages of illness.
Perhaps one of the most emotional decisions families face is determining whether a loved one should continue living at home or move into a residential care setting. The panel emphasized that there is no universal answer. Every family’s situation is unique and should take into account the person’s safety, medical needs, caregiver availability, financial considerations, and overall quality of life.
The discussion concluded on a hopeful note. Despite the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, advances in research continue to improve diagnosis, expand treatment options, and deepen our understanding of brain health. Equally encouraging is the growing recognition that families do not have to navigate this journey alone. Healthcare professionals, community organizations, support programs, and educational events such as the Alzheimer’s EXPO provide valuable guidance every step of the way.
The panel’s closing message was both practical and reassuring: seek help early, ask questions, involve the entire family in planning, and remember that compassionate care extends beyond treating a disease—it means supporting the person living with dementia and everyone who walks beside them.
Eduardo Berdegué
Divine Home Care Services
www.divinehomecareservices.com
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