When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, choosing a specialist is critical to getting the correct care and treatment. In any case, considering whom to see is one of the tougher decisions that you or your loved ones need to make while suffering through Alzheimer’s disease. With so many specialists in the medical field, it may get overwhelming to shortlist one specialist.

Your regular physician is generally the best place to begin. In case a more focused approach toward testing or treatment is required, you might have to visit a professional. In most cases, physicians would not send you to a specialist directly. They would always prefer to analyze the intensity of the condition and then refer you to a medical professional accordingly.

If you feel that you need to undertake specialized care apart from the advice from your physician, then you may use the list of the following types of medical experts who treat Alzheimer’s disease to understand who is the right expert you need to visit. At all times, you should always ensure that the professionals have a valid medical practitioner’s license.

Geriatric nurse practitioner (GNP)
This type of nurse mainly specializes in taking care of older adults. GNPs are generally well-versed with the medical field and even with behavioral issues that occur as a result of Alzheimer’s disease . In order to become a GNP, a person not only requires a relevant master’s degree but also a certification obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Geriatric psychiatrist (GP)
A geriatric psychiatrist (GP) is basically a physician who has a specialization in emotional, mental, and even behavioral disorders, which commonly affect senior citizens. Geriatric psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medications that may treat cognitive as well as behavioral symptoms occurring due to Alzheimer’s disease . However, in order to become a practicing GP, you need to have a doctorate in medicine along with completing a residency in the psychiatry department wherein the emphasis is on geriatrics.

Geriatrician
A geriatrician is a type of physician who has a specialization in dealing with the health challenges faced by older adults. Most of the times, they even serve as regular physicians for older patients. In order to become a geriatrician, a doctorate in medication is required along with a residency in internal medicine. In addition, the geriatrician must also complete his fellowship in the department of geriatrics.

While the aforementioned doctors are generally required for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, special cases may also require the following set of experts:

Gerontologist
This refers to a medical professional specializing in the psychological, biological, and social aspects of aging.

Geropsychologist
A geropsychologist is an expert psychologist who has a specialization in mental health challenges. They are generally required for advanced cases of Alzheimer’s disease .

Neuropsychologist
This is an expert who is a specialist in understanding the relationship between the behavioral aspects as well as the psychology of a person.