The Role of the Psychiatrist in Alzheimer's Disease

Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to provide a variety of important services to patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their families and professional caregivers. This paper highlights the role of thepsychiatric physician in the differential diagnosis of dementing illnesses. Psychiatrists are alsouniquely trained to evaluate and treat the psychiatric symptoms and problem behaviors in Alzheimer’s disease. The psychiatrist may be asked to utilize and monitor antidementia compounds as well as toorchestrate functional and competency evaluations. As the leader of the mental health team, the psychiatristserves as educator and resource provider to patients and their families. Lately, the psychiatristworks closely with caregivers to monitor for and prevent burnout and depression.