Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder affecting nearly
7 million Americans. It is a form of dementia that slowly destroys memory
and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks.
While the specific causes of Alzheimer’s are not fully known, it
is characterized by changes in the brain, including amyloid beta plaques
and neurofibrillary, or tau, tangle. This results in loss of neurons and
their connections. These changes affect a person’s ability to remember,
think and speak. In its earliest stages, Alzheimer’s may appear
like lapses that might be considered a normal part of aging. A clinical
evaluation by a neurologist can rule out dementia or pinpoint the specific type.
To schedule an evaluation by an Independence Health System Neurologist
at the Memory Clinic call:
Greensburg:
724-261-5619 Butler:
724-431-1613, select option 2
What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that causes gradual and progressive
decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills. It’s important
to understand that Alzheimer's is a form of dementia. Dementia is the
general term for a group of neurological conditions that affect memory,
language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe
enough to interfere with daily life. In nearly 70 percent of all dementia
cases, Alzheimer’s is the cause.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease kills more
people than breast and prostate cancer combined.
Is Alzheimer’s a Genetic or Inherited Disease?
While some cases of Alzheimer’s can be caused by a single inherited
gene, most cases are not inherited. Alzheimer’s can be influenced
by a combination of genes, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's
While Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia may share similar
symptoms, Alzheimer's is characterized by progressive memory loss and
cognitive decline.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place, like dates, seasons or the passage of time
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships with simple
things like balance or driving
New problems with words in conversation or writing
Misplacing or putting things in odd places and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment and decision making
Withdrawal from work, hobbies or social activities
Changes in mood and personality, such as: confusion, suspicion, depression,
fear or anxiety
While some of these symptoms may be related to typical age-related change,
it’s important to talk to your primary care provider or loved ones
if you have concerns because there are treatment options available.
How is it Diagnosed?
There is no single test that can determine if a person is living with Alzheimer’s
or another form of dementia. Providers will use diagnostic tools combined
with medical history and other information, including neurological exams,
cognitive and functional assessments, brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET) and
cerebrospinal fluid or blood tests to make a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
disease. The following are two diagnostic tools used at the Memory Clinic
at IHS to diagnose Alzheimer’s and help guide treatment planning.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis - CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal
cord that can be extracted through a lumbar puncture. This analysis uses
a group of laboratory tests to measure the substances in the CSF to detect
any presence of disease.
Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan – The amyloid protein is a key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
This diagnostic PET scan measures the buildup of abnormal amyloid protein
in the brain, helping to detect amyloid plaques in patients being tested
for Alzheimer’s
Treatment Options
Alzheimer’s is thought to be caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins
in and around brain cells. This abnormal build-up can disrupt cell function
and damage brain cells. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's,
there are treatment options that may change disease progression, and drug
and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms.
Oral medications can help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and slow
down the decline in thinking skills, so a person with Alzheimer's can
experience a better quality of life.
Infusion treatments help to treat the root cause of the disease. These
IV treatments attack the amyloid plaque thought to be responsible for
a toxic buildup causing damage to brain cells. For the first time in the
history of Alzheimer's, these infusion treatments have been shown to slow
Alzheimer’s disease decline.
How to Start Treatment
If you or a loved one is concerned about dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease, it’s important to talk to your provider sooner rather than
later. Treatment options are available and evolving.
To schedule an evaluation by an Independence Health System Neurologist
at the Memory Clinic call:
Greensburg:
724-261-5619 Butler:
724-431-1613, select option 2
