Does anyone know of a neurologist who specializes in dementia or a good geriatric physician in the Portland, OR area? While my mom and I really like her PCP, I would like to find someone more knowledgeable about LBD. The neurologist that her PCP sent us to wasn't very helpful at all and I don't think he was really "up" on Lewy's. If someone can even steer me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it . I don't know where to begin.
Thanks!
Ellen

While I can't recommend a particular physician, OHSU has a very good program for movement disorders. If you ask them to recommend someone experienced with LBD they would probably be happy to assist you. http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/brain/getting-treatment/diagnosis/parkinsons/index.cfm

I like Dr. Nutt at OHSU. He's a movement disorders specialist (within neurology). Several people in our local support group drive up to Portland to see him.

Hi Ellen,

We live in Portland and really like our neurologist. We actually went to him with a referral from our PCP for Parkinson's and Dr. Taylor was the one who actually diagnosed my grandpa with LB. He really listened to us and asked a lot of questions, talked to both my grandpa and how he felt as well as my mom and I (because we both live with him and were able to describe daily patterns, observations, etc...). While we were in the office he printed out 30+ pages of information on LB from one of his online medical reference subscriptions. He also took the perspective of asking us how we wanted to treat this disease. He explained if we choose to use Rx then other side effects would increase. At the time, Gpa's symptoms were not that bad, he still had a good mind (mild dementia), could walk with a walker (even though there was definite stooping and shuffling) , and wasn't have any serious sleeping or hallucination problems. So we opted to not use any Rx. I think the time has come to weigh our options since Gpa's health has changed. Dr. Taylor also had a really great personality and was friendly, so was his staff.

Gpa had a sudden decline in one week, so I scheduled an appointment with him this Friday (it took us one week to get him in, I wish it were sooner, but a lot better than some other Dr.'s like his cardiologist). I'll keep you updated if you would like about our follow-up and how this appointment goes.

http://www.eastportlandneurology.com/index.html

this is the link to their website. Dr. Howard Taylor. Best of luck to you and your mom in finding someone you feel comfortable and confident with.
Kaeti

Yes, Gpa's girl, please let me know how your upcoming appointment goes.
The first neurologist we saw didn't really talk to us about LBD at all, I don't think he knew that much about it. We've been just seeing her PCP but I think I'd like to at least try seeing another neurologist, so thanks for the info.
Ellen

Hi Ellen,

Sorry for the delayed response, I had to write a paper over the weekend and grandpa wasn't feeling well.

Just wanted to update you on the recent visit to the neurologist. Dr. Taylor is a wonderful doctor and the follow up was just as good as the first appointment. He first went over his notes from our first appointment to make sure things were as they were, and to refresh his memory. A basic verbal confirmation of "where we left off." He then began asking us what our concerns were and why we scheduled the appointment. My mom & I told him how rapidly grandpa had declined and that he is basically immobile due to the Parkinson's. I came prepared with a list of all the symptoms that have changed since the last visit and Dr. Taylor listened carefully and asked clarifying questions too.

We talked more about Lewy Body and what we can expect from the disease and what we can do to help make grandpa's quality of life more enjoyable. We all decided that it was time to try a prescription to moderate the Parkinson's, Dr. Taylor also was great about explaining the side effects. We decided together that this was the best plan for grandpa. We also addressed the restlessness at night and was given a prescription to help him sleep.

We started the prescription yesterday and have already seen a difference in grandpa's mobility, and he slept through the night. He is a little more stable on his feet when we transfer him and was actually able to change into his night time clothes yesterday night. The ability to move more freely has not only helped us physically move him but increased grandpa's attitude because he doesn't feel handicapped.

I would give a 100% recommendation for Dr. Howard Taylor. The only negative we found is that he typically runs a little late. But that to me is a sign that he takes the time needed with his patients. If you have any other questions about Dr. Taylor I'd be happy to try and answer them for you.

Best of luck to you Ellen & your mom,
Kaeti