Services We Offer In South Florida
The Pauline Braathen Neurological Center offers the most advanced imaging technology and testing in the diagnosis of cognitive disorders including:
Laboratory Tests – blood work is used to look for the presence of a specific gene identified as a risk factor for Alzheimers disease. A urinalysis may be done to detect abnormalities, such as improper levels of sugar or protein.
Lumbar Puncture/Spinal Tap procedure in which fluid surrounding the spinal cord is withdrawn through a needle. The fluid is later examined in a laboratory for concentrations of certain proteins associated with Alzheimers disease.
Computed Tomography Scan technique in which various X-rays are taken of the brain and later fed into a computer. The computer examines changes in the brain such as atrophy, widened indentions in the tissues and enlargement of the cerebral ventricles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of the brain. This imaging helps doctors see loss of volume in specific areas of the brain that are associated with AD and helps reveal disease progression.
Electroencephalography imaging tool that places special electrodes on the scalp to record electrical activity generated by the brain. It is used to identify disorders that can mimic AD by studying various brain processes such as perception, memory, attention, language, and emotion.
Dementia And Alzheimers Home Care Providers In Fort Lauderale Florida
The best dementia and Alzheimers home care specialists are experienced and compassionate.
Short Visits or Alzheimers live-in help around the clock?
you can determine the appropriate level of in-home care for dementia.
Senior Nannies matches clients with highly qualified and carefully screened Alzheimers and dementia caregivers to provide in-home support for adults diagnosed with memory loss and cognitive decline. The overriding goal is to facilitate a familiar life that preserves your senior parent, spouse, or other loved ones dignity and independence and supports his or her normal activities of daily living with patience, compassion and understanding.
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The qualified, experienced and prescreened dementia and Alzheimers home caregivers match will we can refer to you can make it possible for your loved one to remain in the comfort, familiarity, and security of his or her own household as long as possible. Home care for Alzheimers can be provided on a part-time basistypically 4 to 6 hours a day or morewhich is often all that is needed in the earlier stages of cognitive decline. More information about Alzheimers disease can be found by visiting the Alzheimers Association.
What Is Dementia Vs Alzheimers Disease
- Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Learn early signs, symptoms and more. Learn More
- Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Learn More
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Alzheimers Association Launches New Initiative To Raise Dementia Awareness And Increase Early Diagnosis
Mar 24, 2022 | SF STAT!
23, 2022 In an effort to increase awareness and early detection of Alzheimers and other dementias across the state, the Florida chapters of the Alzheimers Association are launching a new program for all Floridians.
According to Julie Shatzer, vice president of programs for the Alzheimers Associations Florida chapters, the organization will seek to educate Floridians about dementia through a brief online program called ALZ STARS. With support from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the program will allow participants to learn more about early warning signs, how to get diagnosed, care and communication strategies, and the various resources available to all those affected by dementia.
The truth is that, although Alzheimers and dementia are becoming more common, they are still widely misunderstood, Shatzer said. For instance, there is a common misconception that dementia only affects the elderly. Through early detection efforts, however, we are seeing more and more adults in their 40s and 50s receive dementia diagnoses, gifting them with the one thing all those facing dementia wish they had more of: time.
That time, Shatzer noted, is crucial for families as they begin navigating life with dementia as it allows the diagnosed individual to take part in important care planning decisions.
For Bradenton resident Deborah Jobe, receiving an early dementia diagnosis has made a world of difference.
Alzheimers Association And State Of Florida Launch Project: Vital To Keep Seniors Connected With Loved Ones During Times Of Isolation
- May 5, 2020
The Alzheimers Association is proud to partner with the State of Floridas Department of Elder Affairs to keep seniors connected with loved ones during social isolation. Through Project: VITAL , senior-friendly tablets from engagement technology provider iN2L will be distributed to nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state.
There are more than 580,000 people in Florida living with Alzheimers and related dementias. Approximately two-thirds of the people living in ALFs have some form of dementia, said Alzheimers Association Florida Regional Leader, Angela McAuley.
Project: VITAL has provided the Association the opportunity to extend our reach to not just those living with dementia, but to all seniors in Florida who are vulnerable to the negative effects of social isolation.
We’re hoping the use of these customized tablets will facilitate critical connections with the families – especially during these times – but, we want to use them for sustainable models for the future, said Richard Prudom, Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. We want to ensure the safety of our vulnerable seniors while keeping their loved ones connected.
The first 50 tablets were shipped on Friday, April 24 with the remaining 100 tablets to follow on May 1.
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Alzheimers Association Program To Stress Need For Diversity In Clinical Trials
Feb 1, 2022 | SF STAT!
This Black History Month, the Alzheimers Association is emphasizing the importance of diversity in clinical trials. On Feb. 15, the organization will host Creating a Path Forward: Advancements in Science, a virtual presentation that will address the growing need for minority participation in dementia research with a particular focus on the New Imaging Dementia-Evidence for Amyloid Scanning Study.
The New IDEAS Study is a follow-up to the original IDEAS Study, which sought to determine the clinical usefulness and impact of amyloid PET imaging scans, advised Keith Gibson, Alzheimers Association director of diversity, equity and inclusion in Florida. The new study aims to answer those same questions but with a diverse population more representative of those living with Alzheimers than that of the first study.
In addition to Gibson, one of the programs featured guest speakers will be Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, Ph.D., professor of health policy and management at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health and principal investigator for recruitment for the New IDEAS Study. Other guest speakers will include Alzheimers community educator Tequesta Alston and Angela Hill, Pharm.D., associate dean of clinical affairs at the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy.
Alzheimers Association®
Fort Lauderdale Memory Support Groups
*Holy Cross Hospital1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10:00 am 12:00 pm 4725 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Multipurpose Room on the 2nd floor, Zachariah Family Wellness Pavilion 491-2499
3rd Saturday of each month, 10:00 am 4320 NW 36th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33319 Support and education group for caregivers
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Researchers Are Exploring How A Range Of Factors Including Racism And Gut Health Can Contribute To Alzheimer’s And Related Dementias
Florida researchers are sharing findings that can help people better understand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego this week.
There are 32 experts from the state presenting a diverse body of research at the conference, including several from the University of South Florida in Tampa, according to Stefanie Wardlow, the associations Florida research champion.
One study from USF neuropsychologist Tanisha Hill-Jarrett highlights how racism and discrimination can harm brain health in Black Americans, who have a much higher risk for developing Alzheimers than white Americans. Her research found improving social support networks for individuals could help protect against that harm.
Another study from Hariom Yadav, director of USFs Center for Microbiome Research, suggests that keeping the bacteria that live in our guts happy can help prevent dementia.
Yadav is studying whether reducing inflammation in the gut with diet changes and probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the brain and prevent dementia. His team has had success with mice and is now recruiting people for related research.
The variety of studies presented at the conference earned praise from Wardlow.
I think having all these topics being so different really highlights the complication of Alzheimer’s disease, you know we really need to look at this disease from all different types of angles, not just one, she said.
Reaching A Diverse Community
The University of Miami is a major Clinical Core site for the 1Florida ADRC due to our expertise in: recruiting African American and under-represented populations , UMs expertise in creating novel cognitive stress paradigms sensitive to early biomarkers of Alzheimers Disease , expertise in vascular and other comorbidities in the elderly , our expertise in psychiatric disorders in Alzheimers disease and related disorders , and our excellent CTSA and other training programs .
Early detection of Alzheimers disease and related dementias has become a national priority particularly in diverse ethnic and racial groups who often are underrepresented in clinical trials and research. As part of the grant, our researchers are conducting a multicultural observational study of underrepresented populations, including Black and Hispanic older adults. This ensures what we learn and how we prevent, diagnose, and treat Alzheimers disease is based on a multicultural population and can be applied to all older Americans.
Were seeking to understand the aging brain before symptoms occur. Our researchers check participants for early memory changes using a novel cognitive stress test developed by 1Florida ADRC leaders Drs. David Loewenstein and Rosie Curiel Cid at the University of Miami Miller School. The test can discover changes before traditional cognitive testing can detect them. We perform comprehensive testing and follow up with participants annually.
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Welcome To The Usf Healthbyrd Alzheimers Center And Research Institute
The USF Health Byrd Alzheimers Center and Research Institute isdedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure ofAlzheimers disease and related disorders. With a highly qualified team of researchers, doctors, clinicians and educators, the institute is at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and care.
The institute is a multi-disciplinary centerof excellence at the University of South Floridathat provides compassionate family-centeredpatient care, performs cutting edge research anddelivers quality caregiver support and public and professionaleducation.
The Institute produces the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Podcast and is committed to helping families and professionals care for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Niat Gebru is one of two awarded the 2022 Dorothy Benjamin Graduate Fellowship in Alzheimer’s Disease
Joseph McMillan s one of two awarded the 2022 Dorothy Benjamin Graduate Fellowship in Alzheimer’s Disease
The Institute announces the award of several new research grants
3 new NIH Awards: Foundation Awards:
We are pleased to announce Dr. Moorthi Ponnusamy, a post-doctoral scholar at the Byrd Institute, was awarded a Fellowship from the Alzheimers Association International Research Grant program.
Dr. Smith interviewed in prominent podcast to discuss Alzheimer’s
Interview with Dr. Amanda Smith about new AHEAD Research Study
Ilayda Ozsan is the awarded winner of the Dorothy Benjamin Graduate Fellowship in Alzheimers Disease.
Miami Area Memory Support Groups
*City of Coral Gables, Adult Activity Center4th Thursday of the month, Noon 1:30 pm 2 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 674-2543 Ext. 52448
2nd Friday of every month, 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 1475 NW 14th Avenue, Miami, FL 33125 325-0470
*Mt. Sinai Medical Center Emergency Department2nd Thursday of the Month, 12:30 pm 2:00 pm 2845 Aventura Blvd., Aventura, FL 33180 674-2543 Ext. 52448
2nd Saturday of the month, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm 11845 Quail Roost Drive, Miami, FL 33177 252-4000 Ext. 6225
Every 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm 8:30 pm 11377 SW 84th Street Miami, FL 33173 665-2806
*Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center at Mount Sinai Medical3rd Thursday of each month, 12:30 pm 2:00 pm 4306 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 2nd floor, conference room 674-2543 Ext. 52448
Broward Health North, Neuro Resource Center2nd and 4th Friday of each month, 10:30 am 12:00 pm 201 E. Sample Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 Early Stage Group Congruent Patient and Caregiver Sessions Participants MUST pre-register and be screened for this group. 272-3900
Broward Health North Neurological Institute2nd and 4th Tuesday, 6:00 pm 8:00 pm Adult Children Only 201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 786-7392
Broward Health North Neurological InstituteEvery Tuesday, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm 201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 786-7392
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What Are The Stages Of Alzheimers
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages Early , Middle and Late-stage . The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors. Learn More
Making A Difference In South Florida And Beyond
This partnership and grant make us the Center of Excellence for Alzheimers disease in South Florida. And, as one of only 31 ADRCs across the country, the Miller School has a unique opportunity to make a difference on a national level. Our organization, researchers, and trainees make an impact on national initiatives as we contribute to:
- Critical data collection that advances research
- Brain donation thats essential for testing emerging treatments
- Education programs to train the next generation of Alzheimers disease clinicians and researchers
As an academic medical center, we can offer leading-edge diagnostics and treatment. With our combined resources, we can expand memory care access to those who wouldnt otherwisehave this level of care. We can provide them with precise, comprehensive care and access to leading-edge biomarkers that help discover neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers early, when theyre most successfully treated.
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Memory Cafe Support Groups
Alzheimers Disease and Dementia Memory Care Support Groups – For additional information about Alzheimer’s Association support groups, please call the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 272-3900. Visit our support groups page for support groups and caregiver’s resources for neurological conditions.