How psychiatry fits into dementia care

Most people see a psychiatric provider for mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and trauma. But did you know you can also see a psychiatrist for dementia? Psychiatrists can manage emotional distress, coordinate care, and support your health and well-being. 

If you've been diagnosed with dementia or have a loved one with the condition, consider seeing a geriatric psychiatrist. Working with a psychiatrist can make a meaningful difference with symptom management and quality of life.

When to involve a psychiatrist for dementia

Dementia refers to a collection of symptoms that affect your ability to think, reason, and remember. Symptoms are progressive, which means they slowly get worse over time. For many people, this involves mental health challenges like aggression and depression.

Geriatric psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose dementia. They can assess cognitive functioning, rule out underlying causes, and provide comfort and support. They can also help you cope with mental and behavioral challenges. 

Not everyone with dementia needs psychiatric support, but some signs you might want to speak with a psychiatric provider include: 

• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or personality 

• Physical or verbal aggression, such as hitting or hostile comments

• Mood swings, including severe depression

• Indifference or withdrawal

• Impulsive or socially inappropriate behavior 

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming others

You may be more likely to need psychiatric help for dementia if you have: 

• A pre-existing mental health condition, like a mood disorder or substance use disorder 

• Late-stage dementia, which may increase agitation, delirium, or psychosis

• A limited support network, which lead to isolation and difficulty accessing care 

How psychiatry supports dementia treatment

As dementia progresses, symptoms can become more severe and difficult to manage. It might feel harder to communicate, remember important information, and complete everyday tasks. Fortunately, a geriatric psychiatrist can help with some of these challenges. 

Psychiatrists assess, treat, and monitor mental and behavioral health. Depending on the person, their treatment plan may include:

• Medication: Psychiatrists prescribe medication to manage symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and psychosis. They can also prescribe medication for mental health conditions that may worsen symptoms of dementia. 

• Talk therapy: A dementia diagnosis can be difficult to process. It's normal to feel angry, scared, and overwhelmed — especially as symptoms worsen. Psychiatrists can provide talk therapy, or refer you to someone who does, so that you can cope with your feelings in a healthy way.

• Support and education: Psychiatrists often provide additional education and support. For example, they might review disease progression or alternative treatment options. They also show family members and loved ones how to care for their own needs.

• Care collaboration: Treating dementia requires a collaborative approach. Psychiatrists often work with neurologists, primary care providers, and occupational therapists. Together, they’ll make decisions about a person’s capabilities and care. For example, they might determine answers to questions like: Is someone competent to make their own decisions? Can they still live safely on their own? Are they at risk of harming themself or others?

What psychiatric care looks like as dementia progresses

When treating dementia, the primary goal is to improve or preserve a person's quality of life. There’s no cure, but psychiatric providers can help individuals and their caregivers cope with the emotional impact of the disease. They’ll focus on helping people remain comfortable and out of inpatient facilities for as long as possible.

Another way psychiatrists care for dementia patients is by providing important information. For example, they can answer questions about:

• Medication and lifestyle changes to help slow cognitive decline 

• How to manage mental health issues, especially as your dementia progresses 

• How to set reasonable short-term and long-term goals for your well-being 

• How to tell other people about your dementia diagnosis

• Symptom progression and life expectancy 

• Complex decisions about end-of-life care 

Importantly, psychiatrists can also support family members and caregivers. When someone in your life has dementia, it's important to balance their needs with your own well-being. A psychiatrist can help caregivers manage burnout, depression, and other mental health challenges. 

Clinican's take

Psychiatric care can make a meaningful difference for someone with dementia. We can use medications to help with dementia-related concerns like depression, anxiety, agitation, and more.

Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC

Clinical reviewer

Find care with Rula

Psychiatrists can help people and their loved ones manage the stages of dementia. Working with a psychiatrist is a chance to learn about your condition, cope with symptoms, and care for your overall well-being.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.