Dementia Specialists & Neurologists in Tampa

What kind of specialist should a family start with?

A neurologist, a geriatrician or a geriatric psychiatrist are the three kinds of physician families most often ask about when memory changes appear. The CDC describes dementia as a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and daily function. Only a clinician can evaluate what is behind those changes, and this page does not offer diagnosis or treatment advice.

The records we hold for Tampa are all under the neurologist taxonomy. We have no verified geriatrician or geriatric psychiatrist records to list, so we do not name any. If you want one, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or ask a neurology office whether they work with geriatric colleagues.

Which Tampa neurologists are in the NPI registry?

The eight neurologists below are listed in NPPES with a Tampa practice address. Each name links to its NPI registry record. A registry listing confirms an NPI and an address, not that the clinician focuses on dementia or accepts new patients, so confirm both by phone.

ZIP 33602

• Sonia Anand-Nichols, neurologist, NPI 1427205939, 400 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602-4300.

ZIP 33606

• Faizi Ahmed, neurologist, NPI 1356572119, 603 S Boulevard Fl 2, Tampa, FL 33606-2629.
• Erfan Albakri, neurologist, NPI 1104998376, 5 Tampa General Cir Ste 200, Tampa, FL 33606-3578.

ZIP 33607

• Ena Andrews, neurologist, NPI 1962443143, 2727 W Dr MLK Blvd Ste 700, Tampa, FL 33607-6378.

ZIP 33612

• Ushtar Amin, neurologist, NPI 1588083596, 13330 USF Laurel Dr, Tampa, FL 33612.
• Mark Armanious, neurologist, NPI 1740600261, 13330 USF Laurel Dr, Tampa, FL 33612-6601.
• Roberto Aponte, neurologist, NPI 1841907565, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612-4745.

ZIP 33613

• Keerthana Akkineni, neurologist, NPI 1275928715, 3000 Medical Park Dr Ste 510, Tampa, FL 33613-6602.

What should I ask when I call a neurology office?

Start by asking whether the clinician evaluates memory and thinking problems in older adults and whether they are taking new patients. These questions are general guidance, not medical advice:

• Do you see patients for memory concerns, and how long is the wait for a first visit?
• Do you need a referral from a primary care doctor, and what records should we bring?
• Do you accept our insurance, including Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?
• Can a family member attend the visit and share what they have observed at home?
• Is there a geriatrician or geriatric psychiatrist you work with if we need one?
• Which address will the visit be at? Some clinicians have more than one location, so confirm the exact building and suite.

How can I prepare for the first appointment?

Write down specific examples of what has changed, with dates, before the visit. Useful notes include missed bills, repeated questions, getting lost on familiar routes, and trouble with tasks the person used to handle easily. Bring a current medication list and the names of other doctors. Keep a short log of safety incidents such as wandering or stove left on, because a clinician may ask about them.

Where else can Tampa families find local support?

The Alzheimer's Association has a Florida Gulf Coast chapter that is worth checking for Alzheimer's-focused local resources. Ask them how to find memory-care physicians and caregiver support in your part of Tampa.

If you are weighing options beyond doctor visits, our overview of in-home dementia care in Tampa explains how care at home can fit around medical appointments.

How does home care fit alongside medical appointments?

A caregiver can help with the daily routine around appointments, such as getting ready, getting to the visit and noting what the doctor says. Families often start with companion care, move to memory care at home as needs change, and use respite care to give family caregivers a break.

We offer caregivers screened for dementia care experience. Families receive 3 to 5 video profiles within 48 hours and watch each caregiver's video interview before deciding whom to meet. The video interview is the proof: you see and hear the person before any introduction. When you talk to any agency or caregiver, ask about their background check process, licensing and dementia-specific training for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Tampa neurologists on this page dementia specialists?

Not necessarily. The NPI registry lists each of them under the neurologist taxonomy at a Tampa address. It does not say whether they focus on dementia, so ask the office directly when you call.

Do you list geriatricians and geriatric psychiatrists in Tampa?

Not at this time. The verified records we hold for Tampa are neurologists. Ask your primary care doctor for a geriatrician or geriatric psychiatrist referral, or ask a neurology office whom they work with.

Do I need a referral to see a neurologist in Tampa?

It depends on the practice and your insurance. Ask the office when you call, and check your plan's rules as well.

What does dementia affect, according to the CDC?

The CDC's overview of dementia describes symptoms that affect memory, thinking and the ability to manage daily activities. Whether a particular person has dementia is a question for a clinician.

How quickly can I see caregiver options for a loved one in Tampa?

Families receive 3 to 5 video profiles within 48 hours. You watch each caregiver's video interview before deciding whom to meet.