Memory Disorders

Memory Disorders

Memory disorders negatively impact a person’s ability to remember, use reason to make decisions, and in some cases, to communicate. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists has experience treating a wide variety of memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cognitive impairment, and dementia caused by hydrocephalus, or fluid build-up in the brain.

Memory disorders can be caused by one or more factors, including:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Aging
  • Heredity
  • Other health conditions that limit the flow of blood to the brain
  • Brain tumours
  • Substance abuse
  • Vitamin deficiencies

Alzheimer’s Disease

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is an irreversible, progressive disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate. It is the most common cause of dementia, a continuous decline in cognitive ability. It leads to problems with memory, thinking, and behaviour that can become severe enough to impair daily life. The diagnosis is a challenging one for patients and their families, and “NeuraXis” is here to help provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Advances are being made regularly with the treatment and care of the estimated 5.5 million Indians 65 and older who have Alzheimer’s Disease.

Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease

While Alzheimer’s is age-related, it is not a normal part of aging. It is thought to be caused by changes in brain tissue, including increased amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that block communication among nerve cells. Neurons can’t survive when they lose their connections to each other.  As neurons die, the corresponding area of the brain begins to degenerate, causing the memory loss.

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

For the majority of people with the disease, symptoms appear after the age of 65. In rare cases, onset may be earlier. At first, a person may experience some slight confusion or memory loss, which may seem to be a normal part of aging. It may be difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s to remember a conversation or a recent event. People with Alzheimer’s may repeat the same statements, forget appointments, get lost in familiar places, or misplace their possessions. Difficulty concentrating and multitasking are also key symptoms of Alzheimer’s. A person might struggle to find the right words or display impaired judgment. Eventually, they may be unable to recognize their loved ones. Changes in personality and behavior are also common. An Alzheimer’s patient may become depressed, apathetic, or irritable. They may withdraw from social situations.

Diagnosis

The patient or a close family member typically start the diagnostic process by self-reporting symptoms. “NeuraXis” doctors have extensive experience evaluating for Alzheimer’s, assessing memory and thinking skills; conducting lab tests and brain imaging; and performing physical and neurological exams of reflexes, muscle tone, senses, problem solving, and coordination. This series of tests will assess memory and help to rule out other conditions. 

While some people might be reluctant to go to their doctor with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, receiving an early diagnosis is beneficial and will give patients and their families a jump start on accessing helpful resources and treatments.

Treatment for Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s has no cure, but the doctors at “NeuraXis” have pioneered models of care to treat symptoms and improve quality of life for patients and their caregivers. A team that includes neurologists, geriatric psychologists, and social workers will develop a plan that may include education, counselling, medication, and behavioural modifications. 

A few types of Alzheimer’s medications are currently being used to treat cognitive symptoms, including a cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine.  Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to help control behavioural symptoms. Our team of experts will also help navigate lifestyle and environment changes that may be helpful.