Therapists in Virgin Islands
Michelle S McGowan
Counselor, LMSW
Verified Verified
Saint Thomas, VI 00802
I am passionate about helping people find healthy pathways to process hardships, trauma, and abuse. On this journey, I have learned the importance of the mind-body connection and am inspired to guide clients through a holistic approach to treatment. I assist clients in coping with the physical symptoms of trauma such as panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety, disordered eating, substance abuse, irritability or outbursts of anger, flashbacks, self-injurious behaviors, and other natural reactions survivors experience. My goal is to create a support system and assist clients along their personal path towards physical and mental well-being.
I am passionate about helping people find healthy pathways to process hardships, trauma, and abuse. On this journey, I have learned the importance of the mind-body connection and am inspired to guide clients through a holistic approach to treatment. I assist clients in coping with the physical symptoms of trauma such as panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety, disordered eating, substance abuse, irritability or outbursts of anger, flashbacks, self-injurious behaviors, and other natural reactions survivors experience. My goal is to create a support system and assist clients along their personal path towards physical and mental well-being.
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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.