Dr. O'Donnell completed clinical training at Yale University:
-Center for Anxiety and Mood Disorders
-Center for Eating and Weight Disorders
-Child Study Center
-Parenting Center
Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease may struggle with mental health issues including
depression
aggression and anger
anxiety and agitation
hallucinations
memory loss and confusion
Thoughts for November: Did you know that November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month?
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Resources
Education
Training
Please make a special effort this month to say thank you to the doctors, nurses, paid and unpaid caregivers, counselors, and researchers who give their time, energy, and love to bettering the lives of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease.
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, we can each do our part in raising awareness about this disease and helping individuals with Alzheimer's Disease to feel safe, valued, and respected.
Insurance
Support for Caregivers (Alzheimer's Association)
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Mental Health Treatment for Children, Teens, and Adults
"Too many Americans know the pain of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s — a leading cause of death in older adults. During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we honor the courage and resilience of all those facing this devastating disease.” -- from The Presidential Proclamation on Alzheimer's Disorder Awareness Month
What are some mental health correlates of Alzheimer's Disease?
Deborah A. O'Donnell, PhD
is a licensed psychologist in Maryland (#03958)
Dr. O'Donnell earned a PhD at
Yale University
Dr. O'Donnell completed a doctoral internship at
Children's National Medical Center
Tips for Caregivers (Alzheimers.gov):
Caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease
10 Early Signs of Alzheimer's and other Dementias (from Alzheimer's Association):
infographic from National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is one type of dementia. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear later in life. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have Alzheimer’s.
When a loved one develops Alzheimer's Disease, it can take a significant toll on family and friends. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease can be exhausting, confusing, and saddening. Watching a loved one change from a strong and confident person into someone who struggles to make sense of the world around them is difficult. This is especially true if your loved one with Alzheimer's disease develops agitation, aggression, or illogical thinking. They may feel as if you are working against them when all you are trying to do is love and protect them.
Many caregivers also hold down full or part-time jobs, meaning that there is little time for a caregiver to take care of themselves. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, discouragement, or burn-out.
If you are a caregiver, please know that it is essential to take care of yourself. You are not alone. There are millions of other individuals who are experiencing similar stresses.
Dr. O'Donnell accepts:
Medicare
Tricare/Humana Military
Dr. O'Donnell is an out-of-network provider for other health insurance companies