Alzheimer's Disease

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is the most common cause of dementia, but Alzheimer's disease and dementia are not the same. Dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting cognitive function, while Alzheimer's is a specific disease that causes those symptoms.

Although Alzheimer's most commonly affects adults over age 65, it is not a normal part of aging. In some cases, symptoms can develop at a younger age.

Changes associated with Alzheimer's typically develop gradually and progress over time. Recognizing cognitive changes early can provide patients and families with more time to understand the diagnosis, consider treatment options, establish support, and plan for the future.

What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease affects each person differently. Early symptoms may be subtle and can sometimes be mistaken for normal age-related changes.

Early Signs and Symptoms

One of the most common early signs is difficulty remembering recently learned information. Other changes may include:

• Repeating questions or conversations

• Forgetting important dates, appointments, or events

• Difficulty finding words or following conversations

• Trouble planning, organizing, or solving problems

• Becoming confused about dates, places, or familiar surroundings

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks

• Changes in judgment, mood, personality, or social behavior

As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may require increasing assistance with daily activities. Later symptoms can include significant memory impairment, difficulty communicating, changes in behavior, problems with movement or coordination, and greater dependence on caregivers.

When Should You Seek an Evaluation?

Occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily mean someone has Alzheimer's disease. However, memory or thinking changes that are new, worsening, or interfering with everyday life should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

A neurological evaluation can help identify potential causes of cognitive changes and determine whether additional testing is appropriate.

How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?

There is no single office test used to evaluate every person for Alzheimer's disease. Diagnosis generally involves a comprehensive assessment of a patient's symptoms, medical history, cognitive function, neurological health, and ability to perform everyday activities.

Depending on the individual, an evaluation may include cognitive assessments, laboratory testing, neurological examination, brain imaging, and other diagnostic procedures. Information from a family member or care partner can also provide valuable insight into changes in memory, behavior, and daily functioning.

Because several medical and neurological conditions can cause symptoms that resemble dementia, a thorough evaluation is important when determining the underlying cause.

What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease involves complex changes within the brain that develop over many years. Two of the disease's most recognized biological features are the abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and tau protein tangles. These changes are associated with damage to brain cells and the connections between them.

Age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, although genetics, family history, cardiovascular health, and other factors can also influence an individual's risk.

Researchers continue to study Alzheimer's disease to better understand why it develops, identify people at risk earlier, and develop new approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

How is Alzheimer's Disease Treated?

Treatment is individualized based on a patient's diagnosis, symptoms, overall health, stage of disease, and personal needs.

At Neurology Diagnostics, our team works with patients and their care partners to develop an individualized approach to managing cognitive changes and maintaining quality of life and independence for as long as possible.

Treatment may include medications to help manage cognitive symptoms, medications targeting certain underlying disease processes for eligible patients, management of behavioral or mood-related symptoms, and recommendations addressing overall neurological and physical health.

Ongoing care is also important as Alzheimer's progresses. Treatment plans may change over time based on symptoms, safety concerns, caregiver needs, and the patient's response to therapy.

Alzheimer's Clinical Research at NDx

Through NDx Clinical Research, eligible individuals may also have opportunities to participate in clinical trials focused on Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and other memory disorders.

Clinical research plays an important role in developing new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Research opportunities may include studies evaluating investigational medications, emerging therapies, diagnostic tools, and other approaches to understanding and treating cognitive decline. Clinical trials may also provide eligible participants with access to leading-edge investigational treatments before they become widely available to the public, while contributing to research that may help shape the future of Alzheimer's care.

Participation in clinical research is voluntary, and each study has specific eligibility requirements. Our research team can provide information about currently enrolling studies and help determine whether an opportunity may be appropriate.

Take the Next Step

If you or someone you care for is experiencing changes in memory, thinking, or behavior, an evaluation can help provide answers and determine appropriate next steps.

Contact Neurology Diagnostics to schedule a neurological evaluation, or connect with NDx Clinical Research to learn more about current Alzheimer's disease and memory-related clinical research opportunities.