Published: October 6, 2025
Dementia care presents challenges that extend far beyond memory loss. Nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, supported by more than 11 million unpaid caregivers, 70% of whom report feeling stressed and unprepared. A multidisciplinary team approach is widely recognized as best practice, ensuring patients and families receive comprehensive and coordinated support.
Dementia affects multiple aspects of daily life. In addition to memory decline, patients may experience impaired judgment, reduced communication skills, difficulty completing familiar tasks and disorientation.“These symptoms often lead to increased emergency department visits, higher rates of long-term care placement and significant caregiver burden,” said Rachel N. Hart, D.O., geriatric medicine specialist with Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center. “Importantly, up to 97% of patients develop neuropsychiatric symptoms during the course of the disease, underscoring the need for specialized, team-based dementia care.”
Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center has a multidisciplinary clinic supporting patient dementia care with neurologists, geriatric medicine specialists, nurses, psychologists and social workers. Individualized patient treatment plans focus on medications, exercise, nutrition, cognitive rehabilitation, behavioral health, clinical trials, support groups and connection to community resources.While physicians and nurses are central to diagnosing and managing dementia, a truly comprehensive approach to dementia care extends beyond core medical providers. Additional specialists bring targeted expertise that supports daily function, emotional well-being and long-term planning. The following team members play a vital role in strengthening dementia care by addressing challenges that fall outside the scope of standard clinical treatment.
Cognitive rehabilitation, led by occupational and speech therapists, helps patients maintain independence for as long as possible. These professionals can help strengthen memory, attention and problem-solving through structured routines, daily living training and caregiver education. While therapy cannot reverse dementia, it can meaningfully support cognitive function and quality of life.
Driving safety is a critical consideration in dementia care. Occupational therapists trained in driving assessments conduct detailed evaluations of cognitive, visual and motor skills, followed by on-road testing. Results may support continued driving with restrictions, recommend adaptive equipment or suggest driving cessation. Because dementia is progressive, regular reassessment every 12 to 18 months is recommended.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, depression and aggression, require expertise in management. Geriatric psychiatrists provide targeted treatment plans that combine environmental strategies, communication techniques and, when necessary, medications. Nonpharmacologic interventions should be prioritized, as medication effectiveness for these symptoms can be limited.
Social workers address the practical and emotional challenges of dementia care. They guide families through legal and financial planning, connect them with elder law attorneys and provide education about community resources. Social workers also help manage caregiver stress and facilitate family discussions around long-term care decisions.
Effective dementia care extends into the community. The Alzheimer’s Association offers 24/7 helpline support, education programs and personalized resource navigation. The Area Agency on Aging provides services such as transportation, in-home care, meal programs and caregiver support. Adult day programs offer structured activities in safe settings, giving patients engagement while offering respite to caregivers. Many states also maintain dementia care plans that outline local resources, driving laws and clinic directories.
A multidisciplinary model can be implemented via coordinated referral networks. Research shows this collaborative approach reduces unnecessary health care utilization, lowers caregiver stress and improves patient outcomes. Early detection paired with coordinated dementia care allows patients and families to plan ahead, maintain independence and preserve quality of life for as long as possible.
Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center
The need for comprehensive dementia care is growing and with the largest team of board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists in the Louisville and Southern Indiana region, the Memory Center works with patients and their loved ones to navigate memory loss, integrating research and education at every level. We take a team approach to neurologic care, with physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses working together.
Program highlights include: