Who Treats Alzheimer’s Disease

Memory Care At Barclay Friends

Depending on ones degree of Alzheimers disease or dementia, supportive community living may be an appropriate care choice. Barclay Friends dedicated memory care environment adopts a person-centered approach, tailored to each residents individual preferences and interests. Residents have the right to participate in decisions about their lives. Staff offer residents choices by doing with rather than doing for. Whats more, our attending physicians personally know each resident and their unique health situations and can offer referrals to a neurologist or other specialists, if needed.

Discover memory care centered on doing with, not doing for.Barclay Friends offers a full continuum of care.

Can Controlling High Blood Pressure Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Controlling high blood pressure is known to reduce a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke. The NASEM committee of experts concluded that managing blood pressure when it’s high, particularly for middle-aged adults, also might help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s dementia.

Many types of studies show a connection between high blood pressure, cerebrovascular disease , and dementia. For example, it’s common for people with Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain to also have signs of vascular damage in the brain, autopsy studies show. In addition, observational studies have found that high blood pressure in middle age, along with other cerebrovascular risk factors such as diabetes and smoking, increase the risk of developing dementia.

Clinical trialsthe gold standard of medical proofare underway to determine whether managing high blood pressure in individuals with hypertension can prevent Alzheimer’s dementia or cognitive decline.

One large clinical trialcalled SPRINT-MIND found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mmHg, compared to a target of less than 140 mmHg, did not significantly reduce the risk of dementia. Participants were adults age 50 and older who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease but had no history of stroke or diabetes.

Importance Of Getting An Early Diagnosis

Some people may be reluctant to go to the doctor when they notice problems they may wonder if theres any point in getting a diagnosis for a disease that has no cure. Or maybe they worry about losing their independence or fear not being able to care for themselves.

Today there is no cure for Alzheimers disease, but there are benefits to early detection.

To start with, the medications currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminsitration are more likely to be helpful early in the disease process.

Early intervention can delay progression to dementia if you have mild cognitive impairment, says , director of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. We know that you can actually slow the rate of progression of the disease with aggressive multitargeted interventions, including traditional pharmacological therapies and lifestyle interventions, and we also give mild patients early access to clinical trials and research, Dr. Sabbagh adds.

For many, getting a diagnosis can also be a relief. In my experience, the vast majority of patients want to understand what is going on, says Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD, a behavioral neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Its important to get a diagnosis as soon as you can so you can make plans for what might happen in the future, Dr. Graff-Radford adds.

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Trouble following or joining a conversation

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Is A Neurologist The Best Choice

Considering the myriad specialists in the treatment of Alzheimers, a good best bet after a visit with ones primary care doctor is a neurologist versed in Alzheimers and conditions affecting the elderly.

A neurologist will have the knowledge, training and experience with the inner workings of the brain required to either begin a care plan or intelligently refer a patient to another qualified expert in thisarea perhaps even one of the aforementioned superspecialists.

Whats exciting is that neurology is the field in which the most leading research on brain disorders is occurring. Doctors in this field will likely be the most informed on new findings, medications, trials, and studies.

Which Doctors Treat Alzheimers Disease

There is a dizzying host of medical professionals who deal with Alzheimers disease in one respect or another. Finding the right one once symptoms of Alzheimers appear can be confusing and overwhelming. Often, treatment from a combination of specialists will proffer the best overall care. Lets break it down:

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Approach To The Patient

Guidelines on the treatment of Alzheimer disease are available from a number of organizations , including one developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, in conjunction with the American College of Physicians.15 All guidelines emphasize the importance of educating patients and their families about the disease process and its expected course. Early referral to local support groups is recommended, and medicolegal issues such as driving and end-of-life planning should be addressed. Recommendations regarding pharmacologic treatment are described in Table 2,21â23 and a suggested algorithm for the treatment of Alzheimer disease is presented in Figure 1. The decision to treat with medication should be shared with the patient and caregivers, including a discussion of the modest clinical benefit, adverse effects, and cost. Physicians should consider discontinuing therapy in patients who continue to decline despite maximal therapy.16 The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association have released recommendations on the diagnosis of dementia and mild cognitive impairment from Alzheimer disease however, these guidelines do not address the treatment of Alzheimer disease and do not recommend the clinical use of biomarkers.52,53

Can Eating Certain Foods Or Diets Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

People often wonder if a certain diet or specific foods can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The recent NASEM review of research did not find enough evidence to recommend a certain diet to prevent cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s. However, certain diets and healthy eating patterns have been associated with cognitive benefits. Studies of diets, such as the Mediterranean diet and the MIND dieta combination of the Mediterranean and DASH dietsare underway. Learn more about what we know about diet and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information, read What Do We Know About Diet and Alzheimer’s Prevention?

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The Devastation Of Alzheimers Disease

With all this said, we are extremely aware of the gradual and cumulative devastation that Alzheimers disease causes, as patients lose their memory and cognitive functioning over time. In late-stage disease, people can no longer hold a conversation or respond to their environment. On average, a person with Alzheimers disease lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but some patients can live up to 20 years with the disease.

The need for treatments is urgent: right now, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease and this number is expected to grow as the population ages. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Although the Aduhelm data are complicated with respect to its clinical benefits, FDA has determined that there is substantial evidence that Aduhelm reduces amyloid beta plaques in the brain and that the reduction in these plaques is reasonably likely to predict important benefits to patients. As a result of FDAs approval of Aduhelm, patients with Alzheimers disease have an important and critical new treatment to help combat this disease.

Alzheimers Disease And Related Dementias Causes And Risk Factors

The cause of degenerative dementias, such as Alzheimers disease, is unknown. In Alzheimers disease, research indicates a buildup of abnormal collection of proteins in the brain, called amyloid plaques, may be at its root. Ongoing research is looking at this and other potential causes, such as:

• Vascular dementia as a result of stroke

Alzheimers risk factors include:

• Age Age is the single biggest known risk factor for Alzheimers. One in 9 people over age 65 have Alzheimers.
• Family history The risk of Alzheimers is higher in people who have a parent or sibling with early onset disease.
• Genetics Certain inherited genes are known to be associated with Alzheimers. This form of the disease is known as familial Alzheimers disease. Symptoms of this type of Alzheimers begin earlier than other types, usually starting in a persons 40s or 50s. Genetic testing can determine if you carry this gene.
• Multiple head injuries

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Treatment For Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease is a chronic, progressive condition, meaning there is no cure, though medication can help to slow the progression of symptoms such as memory loss and confusion and preserve a persons ability to perform everyday tasks. Our specialists also work to ensure that family members and caregivers receive the support they need.

What Are Memory Clinics And Centers

Memory centers are essentially a one-stop shop for everything a patient and their family may need living day to day with Alzheimers disease. These clinics offer a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to care.

At these clinics youll find a number of specialists, including behavioral neurologists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians. These centers provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia. These centers also offer access to physical and occupational therapists and social services.

Your primary care doctor may be able to refer you to a memory clinic in your area. Many large hospitals and medical centers have memory disorder divisions.

You might also find helpful information through the Alzheimers and Related Dementias Education and Referral Center , a service of the National Institute on Aging , which funds Alzheimers Disease Research Centers at major medical institutions across the United States. The ADRCs offer help with obtaining diagnosis and opportunities to volunteer to participate in clinical trials in addition to other services. You can find a list of ADRCs on the NIA website.

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How Can I Find The Right Doctor And Resources

Word of mouth is still one of the most reliable sources of trusted information, so dont hesitate to ask among friends and associates whose loved ones have been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease for recommendations on doctors, services, programs, etc. Other good referral sources are your loved ones primary care doctor, your local medical center, nearby memory care facilities, Local Resources at alz.org, and a careful Internet search of neurologists in your area .

You may also wish to consult the Alzheimers Disease Centers , sponsored by the National institute on Aging. The Alzheimers Association has a 24/7 helpline that may be of service on several fronts. For an idea of what to look for in a top-notch doctor across various specialties, check out the Mayo Clinics expertise and rankings.

Can Increasing Physical Activity Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Physical activity has many health benefits, such as reducing falls, maintaining mobility and independence, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Based on research to date, there’s not enough evidence to recommend exercise as a way to prevent Alzheimer’s dementia or mild cognitive impairment , a condition of mild memory problems that often leads to Alzheimer’s dementia.

Years of animal and human observational studies suggest the possible benefits of exercise for the brain. Some studies have shown that people who exercise have a lower risk of cognitive decline than those who don’t. Exercise has also been associated with fewer Alzheimer’s plaques and tangles in the brain and better performance on certain cognitive tests.

While clinical trials suggest that exercise may help delay or slow age-related cognitive decline, there is not enough evidence to conclude that it can prevent or slow MCI or Alzheimer’s dementia. One study compared high-intensity aerobic exercise, such as walking or running on a treadmill, to low-intensity stretching and balance exercises in 65 volunteers with MCI and prediabetes. After 6 months, researchers found that the aerobic group had better executive functionthe ability to plan and organizethan the stretching/balance group, but not better short-term memory.

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Neurologists: Do Seniors With Alzheimer’s Need One

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia stemming from Alzheimers, understanding your options can be an emotional and difficult process. Though there is no cure, there are treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and help your loved one maintain their quality of life. While most experts agree that anyone with any form of dementia should see a specialist, there are several types to choose from. That can make it difficult to know what course of action to take.

One effective option is to visit neurologists specializing in dementia near you who can offer guidance. They can conduct a thorough neurological exam and recommend subsequent Alzheimers treatment. Combining a neurologists evaluation with the findings of other types of Alzheimers doctors near youpsychiatrists, psychologists and geriatricianscan help make the path to finding the best treatment for your loved one even clearer.

What The Data Show

The late-stage development program for Aduhelm consisted of two phase 3 clinical trials. One study met the primary endpoint, showing reduction in clinical decline. The second trial did not meet the primary endpoint. In all studies in which it was evaluated, however, Aduhelm consistently and very convincingly reduced the level of amyloid plaques in the brain in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. It is expected that the reduction in amyloid plaque will result in a reduction in clinical decline.

We know that the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee, which convened in November 2020 to review the clinical trial data and discuss the evidence supporting the Aduhelm application, did not agree that it was reasonable to consider the clinical benefit of the one successful trial as the primary evidence supporting approval. The option of Accelerated Approval was not discussed by the Advisory Committee. As mentioned above, treatment with Aduhelm was clearly shown in all trials to substantially reduce amyloid beta plaques. This reduction in plaques is reasonably likely to result in clinical benefit. After the Advisory Committee provided its feedback, our review and deliberations continued, and we decided that the evidence presented in the Aduhelm application met the standard for Accelerated Approval. We thank the Advisory Committee for its independent review of the data and valuable advice.

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Leading Research And Clinical Trials

As part of one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, our care providers are committed to research and scientific discovery through the University of Kansas Medical Center. We can often include our patients in potentially lifesaving clinical trials and treatment options not available anywhere else.

What’s The Bottom Line On Alzheimer’s Prevention

Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and the best strategy to prevent or delay it may turn out to be a combination of measures. In the meantime, you can do many things that may keep your brain healthy and your body fit.

You also can help scientists learn more by volunteering to participate in research. Clinical trials and studies are looking for all kinds of peoplehealthy volunteers, cognitively normal participants with a family history of Alzheimer’s, people with MCI, and people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

To find study sites near you, contact NIA’s Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral Center at 1-800-438-4380 or . Or, visit the Alzheimers.gov Clinical Trials Finder to search for trials and studies.

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Your Best Choice May Not Be Your Family Doctor

Although a preliminary diagnosis may begin with your primary care doctor, theyll most likely refer you to a specialist. Some people express a preference to continue seeing their family doctor because its someone they know and trust. Others may feel disheartened by their diagnosis and question the use of seeing a specialist.

Thats an understandable concern, but misinformed. New research is published every month about findings in Alzheimers treatment. Although scientists havent yet found a cure, they have uncovered much that is helpful for people who have been diagnosed.

Dementia is a rapidly developing area of study, and its likely that the family doctor wont be as up to date with the latest information. This may be especially true in the case of early onset Alzheimers, where symptoms and treatment are less well-known among most regular doctors.

Seeing a specialist will ensure your loved one benefits from the most recent therapies and medications.

How Should I Prepare For My Appointment

• Be patient. Dont be surprised if it takes several days or even weeks to get an appointment with a neurologist or other specialist. It may also take time to receive test results.
• Verify credentials and coverage. Ensure ahead of time that the doctor you have sought is licensed and certified and that your loved ones insurance plan will cover various visits and procedures.
• Keep a journal. Begin logging any changes in your loved ones health, including memory, mood and behaviors. Bring this log to all physician appointments.
• Bring a list of current medications. Come prepared with a list of any current medications and dosages as well, including any vitamins and supplements.
• Write down your questions. It is all too easy to forget important questions when youre consulting with your own or a loved ones doctor. Make a list of your questions in advance, record or write down the answers you receive, preferably at the time of the appointment, and be sure to answer any questions you are asked as thoroughly and honestly as possible.
• Expect to be evaluated. Your loved ones doctor may assess such things as their physical and mental health history, their current mental status, eye and other sensory systems, fine and gross motor skills, tendon reflexes, coordination, gait, and other functions. They may also order blood and urine tests as well as other procedures and/or make recommendations for a specialist.

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