By Horacio Capote, M.D.
Aging can be a scary proposition with its own set of concerns revolving around health and finances. One of the biggest fears is that you will develop Alzheimer’s Disease. The ability to think, remember, and communicate is such an integral part of being human that the thought of losing it is nearly catastrophic. Maybe that’s why many people and their families are afraid to ask questions, often waiting way too long before getting help. The point is that there is hope and there are answers but you won’t find them by looking the other way and hoping that things will resolve on their own.
The first thing to point out is that people often assume they are dealing with dementia when in fact they may have something reversible. Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, depression, and other brain disorders can masquerade as dementia. When these are identified and treated in a timely fashion, cognition improves and the person returns to their usual level of function. Getting a thorough evaluation as soon as you suspect something is key.
This is probably a good time to review some commonly used phrases and concepts. A frequent question comes up about the difference between Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Dementia describes a broad category of cognitive disorders; whereas Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific kind of dementia. It’s like the difference between fruit and apple.
As it turns out, Alzheimer’s is by far the most prevalent form of dementia accounting for approximately 60% of all cases and affecting as many as 5.2 million Americans over the age of 65. For another 200,000 in the US the disease can also strike in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Definitive confirmation is made by examining brain tissue under the microscope. However, a combination of scans (MRI and PET or SPECT) combined with a thorough clinical history and examination has been shown to be highly accurate. The other less common forms of dementia include vascular, frontotemporal, Parkinson’s Disease related, Lewy Body, and Pick’s Disease.
Although there is no cure yet for Alzheimer’s Disease, it can certainly be managed. The goal of treatment is to preserve as much function as possible. This often involves a combination of exercise, stimulating activities, proper nutrition, and medication management. Most medications that help seem to do so by increasing acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for making memories. Another crucial aspect of care is the support of caretakers who often take on an extraordinary load of stress and may become susceptible to depression and fatigue.
Research is one great source of hope. Currently, such projects as the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and other trials involving new treatments are ongoing in our community at the Dent Neurologic Institute. Individuals seeking access to cutting edge diagnostics, treatment, and involvement in clinical trials can do so by calling 716-250-2000. Other trusted sources of information are the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York (www.alz.org/wny/; 716-626-0600) and the National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov).
About the author:
Horacio Capote, M.D. is the Medical Director, Division of Neuropsychiatry at Dent Neurologic Institute and Clinical Assistant Professor at State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine. He is involved in research studies including numerous investigations into Alzheimer’s disease, and prides himself on individualized care and attention for his patients.
