Alzheimers Disease

Recognized as a form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. More than 4 million Americans currently have AD, which increases in risk with age. While the cause of AD is not entirely known, risk factors include family history, longstanding high blood pressure, head trauma and high levels of homocysteine – the chemical that contributes to heart disease, depression and other chronic illnesses. Because they typically live longer than men, women are also more likely to be affected. The number of people with AD doubles each decade past age 70.

Symptoms in the early stages are often subtle and can be mistaken for signs of "natural aging." As the disease advances, symptoms become more obvious, including forgetting details and events, hallucinations, depression, arguments, agitation, and violent behavior. At end stages of AD, people usually fail to understand language, recognize family members or perform basic activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and bathing. While there is no cure for AD, the most promising treatments include lifestyle changes and medications.

Contact us for more information about Alzheimer’s Disease and our treatments.