Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s in someone who is showing signs of memory loss or thinking difficulties often meant undergoing a brain scan (a PET scan) or a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to look for signs of amyloid or tau changes in the brain. These procedures can be expensive, invasive, or not easy to access. Now,…

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two major risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. When left untreated, these conditions can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain. Over time, this damage can lead to reduced blood flow, increased inflammation, and a higher risk of strokes or…

Parkinson’s dementia is a type of progressive dementia that can develop in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, typically several years after the initial diagnosis. It affects memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities, often alongside the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. People with Parkinson’s dementia may experience confusion, visual hallucinations, trouble concentrating,…

Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes, small vessel disease, or other conditions that damage blood vessels. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which typically starts with memory loss, vascular dementia may begin with problems in thinking, organization, decision-making, or concentration. These symptoms can appear suddenly…

Coping with agitation and aggression in Alzheimer’s patients requires patience, empathy, and effective strategies tailored to the individual’s needs. These behaviors often result from confusion, discomfort, or an inability to communicate, so it’s important to approach the situation calmly and without confrontation.  Creating a structured routine can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety.…