Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks. It primarily affects older adults, but its impact reaches far beyond age, touching families, caregivers, and communities across the country.
Today, an estimated 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. As the population ages, this number is expected to rise sharply, reaching nearly 13 million by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While Alzheimer’s typically begins after the age of 65, it can also develop earlier, known as early-onset Alzheimer’s. Women are disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly two-thirds of those diagnosed. Additionally, African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at a higher risk of developing the disease than their white counterparts.
About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s develops gradually, with symptoms often beginning as mild memory loss. Over time, individuals may experience confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, trouble speaking or writing, poor judgment, and changes in mood or personality. Because these signs may appear slowly, many people go undiagnosed until the disease has progressed significantly.
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms, slow progression, and improve quality of life.
At First Choice Neurology, patients with Alzheimer’s have access to comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services provided by a team of board-certified neurologists and Alzheimer's specialists. The diagnostic process often includes cognitive testing, neuroimaging, a PET scan, when appropriate, and blood tests that detect amyloid plaques and biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s.
Facts about Alzheimer's Disease
• Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
• Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's.
• One in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease.
• Two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.
• Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's as older Caucasians.
• Older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's as older Caucasians.
Alzheimer's Warning Signs
Memory Loss - One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Confusion - People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates and time.
Problem Solving - Difficulty concentrating and takes much longer to do things.
Misplacing Things - Misplace or lose things and are not able to find them again.
Poor Judgment - Experience changes in judgment or decision-making.
Talking and Writing - Struggle with vocabulary or have trouble following or joining a conversation.
Vision Problems - Difficulty with reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.
Withdrawal - Remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports.
Personality Changes - Mood and personality changes. Become confused, depressed, fearful or anxious.
Alzheimer's Risk Assessment Test
A new saliva test carried out in a CLIA-accredited laboratory determines your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Performed at any age and only available from our neurologists, this test analyzes thousands of genes that impact your risk and thereby provides you with better information regarding steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing dementia.
Treatment for Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's treatment at First Choice Neurology is personalized for each patient and may include FDA-approved medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, which help manage symptoms related to memory and cognition. For eligible patients, newer infusion therapies that target amyloid plaques may also be considered. In addition, neuropsychology services, supportive counseling, and caregiver education are integral parts of the care plan.
With offices throughout Florida, First Choice Neurology provides compassionate and expert care for patients living with Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a meaningful difference in managing the disease and maintaining independence for as long as possible. If you or a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer's, contact a Neurologist at First Choice Neurology today. We have several locations throughout Central, Eastern, and Southern Florida. We also have a list of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support Groups.
Feel free to download the Alzheimer's Disease Guide for Patients and Families from the American Academy of Neurology.
Memory Cafe
First Choice Neurology’s Memory Cafe is a virtual community for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, caregivers, and family members. Our virtual Memory Cafe offers educational materials, videos, support groups, a list of Neurologists, a virtual library, clinical trials, and other resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia.