Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, which is an umbrella term for conditions that cause cognitive decline and mood changes. The two terms are not interchangeable. The terms “senility” or “senile dementia” were commonly used to describe Alzheimer’s disease in the past, and memory loss and confusion were believed to be an inevitable part of aging. Now we can provide specific, individualized medical diagnoses to give patients with the care and respect they deserve.

Memory loss is a well-known complication of dementia-related conditions. It’s just one of many symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. You might notice one of these other warning signs, and if you do, it’s time to talk with a specialist:

While the age of onset and emergence of Alzheimer’s symptoms can vary greatly, the disease typically follows a progressive pattern:

• Early stage (mild symptoms): Memory loss, difficulty handling money, repeating questions, and wandering or getting lost.
• Middle stage (moderate symptoms): Forgetting names or personal history, inability to learn new things, decreasing attention span, anxiety in new situations, and emotional outbursts or behavior changes.
• Late state (severe symptoms): Inability to communicate, no awareness of surroundings, difficulty swallowing, and loss of control over bodily functions.

Each stage requires increased caregiving. Eventually, the patient will no longer be able to live independently.

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet known, several proven risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing dementia, including:

• Age: This is the most common risk factor. After age 65, the likelihood of developing dementia doubles every five years.
• Genetics and family history: Dementia, and particularly Alzheimer's disease, tends to run in families. If multiple relatives have developed dementia or Alzheimer's, your risk increases. The occurrence or likelihood of dementia within one's family also may be caused by a certain gene.
• Lifestyle: Researchers are studying whether environment, diet, and education play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Your care team will conduct a physical exam, blood tests, and medical screenings to help rule out other possible causes, such as vitamin deficiencies, infections, thyroid issues, or medication problems.

MedStar Health specialists will conduct special tests, ranging from neuropsychological screenings to comprehensive dementia exams. We work with your primary care provider to answer questions and make treatment and management recommendations.

Your care team will work closely with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan. You'll be surrounded by experts in brain diseases, aging issues, behavior therapy, and more. These specialists collaborate to coordinate appointments, medications, and home safety. Family and caregivers will be involved at every stage.

Medications

While there is not yet a cure for Alzheimer's, researchers are working on promising therapies. Many of these studies focus on clumps of amyloid proteins called plaques that affect brain cells.

Many people with Alzheimer's disease take medications that help maintain memory and thinking, behavioral issues, and sleep disruptions. Your neurologist will consider the severity of symptoms along with potential side effects and drug interactions.

Caregivers often find it difficult to keep track of the patient’s medications. A nurse with MedStar Health’s Home Care team can teach you how to organize prescriptions and set up reminders through our Medication Management service.

Supportive therapies

• Neurorehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology
• Home health care
• House call program

There is no foolproof strategy to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are lifestyle changes that are proven to significantly reduce risk, including:

• Be proactive about warning signs: Talk to your primary care provider about any concerns regarding memory loss and other cognitive problems.
• Age healthfully: Maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise your body and mind.
• Keep your heart healthy: Brain health is strongly linked to heart health. Your risk of developing dementia symptoms can be increased by conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Protect yourself from head injury: Research shows that serious head injuries could potentially lead to Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia in the future.

MedStar Health patients may have access to clinical trials, which offer the latest Alzheimer’s disease therapies before they are widely available elsewhere.