Memory Disorders

Memory Disorders Overview

Most people experience some form of memory loss as they age. However, memory loss that interferes with daily life may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. The disease currently affects more than five million people in the United States and is often under-recognized as the sixth leading cause of death in the country. Alzheimer’s is a gradually progressive condition with no current cure. Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia in individuals aged 65 and older, younger people are being diagnosed with increased frequency.

The neurologists at Hattiesburg Clinic specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease, early pre-Alzheimer’s characterized as Mild Cognitive Impairment and other memory disorders. Our fellowship-trained, compassionate team of experts guides patients through the development of an individualized care plan.

How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?

Alzheimer’s not only destroys memories but also causes brain changes that can be even more devastating. These changes include the loss of language, spatial orientation, interpersonal acumen, judgment, personality and organizational skills. As pathological changes accumulate in the brain, individuals gradually lose their identity and their sense of self. Over time, their ability to understand, think, remember and communicate becomes increasingly affected.

While patients may lack awareness of their symptoms, known as anosognosia, caregivers bear the tremendous physical and emotional burden of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Hattiesburg Clinic offers valuable resources to support caregivers as they navigate challenging changes.

What are early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

Symptoms can vary from person to person but often include:

Memory loss

Difficulty completing routine tasks

Confusion about times, dates and locations

Changes in mood or personality

Poor judgment and decision-making abilities

Withdrawal from normal activities

Frequently losing items or getting lost

Trouble with speaking, reading or writing

Repeatedly asking the same questions

Who is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?

Age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, as individuals aged 65 and older are most commonly affected by Alzheimer’s. The risk significantly increases with age, doubling every five years after 65 and affecting nearly one-third of individuals after age 85. However, Alzheimer’s is not a direct result of aging.

Other risk factors include:

Family history, such as immediate family members with Alzheimer’s

Genetics

Head injuries

Lifestyle factors

Cardiovascular health

How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed and managed?

The first step in caring for a patient with a neurocognitive disorder is establishing a diagnosis. Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, other diseases can cause similar symptoms. A thorough clinical evaluation may include neurological and neuropsychological assessments, brain scans (neuroimaging studies) and laboratory tests. An accurate diagnosis helps doctors to provide the best possible care by preventing the use of ineffective medications and ensuring patients receive the most beneficial treatments.

Early diagnosis is critical for long-term treatment success. Advances in diagnostic tools allow neurologists to better understand the earliest stages, including the pre-dementia (prodromal) phases, of Alzheimer’s disease. New classifications such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) help establish a framework for clinicians to create a long-term management plan. This plan focuses on anticipating future decline while also helping patients maintain their current levels of functioning for as long as possible.

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the human instinct to help individuals who are suffering motivates us to constantly research new and effective treatment alternatives. Since 2005, the Neurological Research Center (NRC) has focused on developing the expertise needed to conduct leading-edge clinical trials. Hattiesburg Clinic has uniquely provided the infrastructure necessary to run these complex protocols.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

As early adapters of advanced Alzheimer’s treatments, the neurologists at Hattiesburg Clinic provide both world-class and compassionate care.

Our neurologists specialize in advanced Alzheimer’s management including in-depth cognitive assessments to diagnose and track changes in disease progression, molecular imaging to identify Alzheimer’s biomarkers for early diagnosis and access to innovative treatment for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. While a cure for Alzheimer’s is our ultimate goal, we use our access to cutting-edge clinical trials to focus on early detection, help patients maintain cognitive function and develop appropriate care plans.

We are an Alzheimer’s Foundation-certified memory screening site and offer free screenings periodically throughout the year. If you are concerned about potential symptoms in your loved one, contact us to schedule a consultation.