Photo of Brandy Head, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94025, CA
Brandy Head
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
My name is Brandy Head. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with about a decade of experience. Treatment style is adapted to meet your needs, not mine. You will always find me warm, accepting, and open to assist you with any goals that you have. I enjoy helping clients overcome challenges related to aging, grief, mood disorders, role changes, stress, medical challenges, and relationship issues. I have enjoyed working with veterans, caregivers, parents, partners, and adult children.
My name is Brandy Head. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with about a decade of experience. Treatment style is adapted to meet your needs, not mine. You will always find me warm, accepting, and open to assist you with any goals that you have. I enjoy helping clients overcome challenges related to aging, grief, mood disorders, role changes, stress, medical challenges, and relationship issues. I have enjoyed working with veterans, caregivers, parents, partners, and adult children.
(805) 332-4708 View (805) 332-4708
Alzheimer's Therapists

What are the first-line treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?

The first-line treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is often medication, which may be prescribed based on the severity of the disease. These include cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, or a combination of the two. Behavioral treatments can help people cope with emotional distress, such as anxiety or anger, and explore lifestyle changes related to housing, caregiving, sleep, and finances.

When to seek treatment for Alzheimer’s?

It’s best to seek treatment at the first signs of dementia. Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or directions, as well as trouble concentrating, paying attention, retrieving words, and carrying out daily household tasks. An early diagnosis can help people slow the progression of the disease with treatment and plan for the future in terms of housing, support, finances, and legality.

Are there specific medications to treat Alzheimer’s?

Medications approved by the FDA to manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s include galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, and memantine, donepezil, and the rivastigmine patch for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. These drugs can help manage the disease, but no drug currently cures the disease. Medications recently approved by the FDA, such aducanumab and lecanemab may slow the disease course, but aspects of their effectiveness are still debated.

Are there natural treatments for Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured via natural remedies (nor via medication), but some lifestyle habits can help forestall it or slow its progression. Lifestyle activities that can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease include regular exercise, a healthy, well-rounded diet, stimulating cognitive activity, time spent socializing, adequate sleep, and stress management as needed.