Alzheimer’s Treatment Centers of America (ATCA) is pleased to welcome Dr. David Wexler, a Los Angeles-based psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience, to our Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Wexler brings deep expertise in biological psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and mental health collaboration—key areas in understanding and supporting the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s …
Alzheimer’s Treatment Centers of America (ATCA) is pleased to welcome Dr. David Wexler, a Los Angeles-based psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience, to our Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Wexler brings deep expertise in biological psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and mental health collaboration—key areas in understanding and supporting the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“I am looking forward to assisting ATCA with the mental health aspects of Alzheimer’s and dementia,” shared Dr. Wexler.
Addressing the Overlooked Mental Health Challenges of Alzheimer’s
Mental health conditions are common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, up to 50% of individuals with Alzheimer’s experience symptoms of depression, which can interfere with memory, mood, and quality of life. Other neuropsychiatric challenges may include:
- Anxiety and fear
- Agitation and irritability
- Mood swings
- Psychosis and hallucinations
Patients often struggle to regulate emotions, express themselves, or adapt to unfamiliar environments. Dr. Wexler’s addition to the ATCA team reflects our growing commitment to treating Alzheimer’s holistically, addressing both cognitive decline and the emotional, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that accompany it.
A Distinguished Career in Psychiatry
Dr. Wexler has held a wide range of roles across healthcare systems in the U.S. and abroad. His career highlights include:
- Private practice psychiatrist
- Inpatient and outpatient staff psychiatrist
- Director of Consultation/Liaison Services
- Team psychiatrist for an NFL franchise
- Physician wellness psychiatrist at a major managed care consortium
- Director of a psychopharmacology clinic at a university teaching hospital
He has served as a web-based psychiatric consultant for primary care and medical specialists and held faculty appointments at several medical schools. Dr. Wexler is known for staying on the leading edge of psychiatric science and for championing collaboration across disciplines.
“I’m committed to delivering a highly therapeutic clinical experience through in-person visits as well as telemedicine,” said Dr. Wexler.
A Philosophy of Collaborative Care
Dr. Wexler strongly believes in integrated care. He works closely with each patient’s treatment team—including therapists, primary care physicians, and specialists—to improve coordination and optimize treatment outcomes. This collaborative philosophy aligns perfectly with ATCA’s mission to deliver advanced, patient-centered Alzheimer’s care.
A Life Beyond Medicine
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Wexler is a passionate musician and lifelong learner. He plays both oboe and piano, stays active, and enjoys studying foreign languages. Currently, he is learning Mandarin, which he practiced while living in China.
Education
- MD, University of California, San Diego
- Psychiatry Residency, Harbor-UCLA / UCLA
- BA in Biology and Foreign Languages, Harvard University
ATCA is honored to have Dr. Wexler’s insight and leadership on our advisory board as we continue expanding our approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment—helping patients and their families find clarity, support, and a path forward.
