Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care
Compassionate Care for Patients with Memory Loss
Watching a loved one experience memory loss is challenging, and the journey can be emotionally taxing for both you and the person going through it. While this is difficult, it is important to keep in mind that living with memory loss does not mean living in misery. A cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s may not yet be available, but we have come a long way in making life easier and more comfortable for those who go through it.
Our compassionate team of medical professionals provide comprehensive care and treatments for patients with memory loss. In addition to caring for the patient, we are also here to help their loved ones with counseling and referrals to community resources. We know this is a difficult time for all involved, and our goal is to help your entire family through it.
Dementia
Dementia is a condition in which cognitive function — the ability to think, concentrate, and remember — is impaired. Dementia occurs in many forms, some diagnoses are more severe than others. Neurologists classify dementias into categories based on characteristics, progression, or the affected part of the brain.
Dementia has been classified into the following categories:
- Cortical. This form of dementia can impair memory, language, thinking, and social behavior. It is the result of damage to the brain below the cortex.
- Subcortical. has an impact on a person’s memory, ability to move, and emotions.
- Progressive. This form of dementia worsens over time and interferes with cognitive abilities
- Primary. Also known as Alzheimer’s disease, which you can find more info on below.
- Secondary. Dementia that is caused by injury or disease.
Treating dementia depends on the type and the cause of the condition. There is no cure for primary dementia, but there are medications and therapies that can help ease the symptoms and help patients enjoy a higher quality of life. Our team can help you explore all of these options.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia caused by dying brain cells. The condition slowly gets worse over time, interfering with the person’s cognitive abilities and memory. When someone you love develops Alzheimer’s, you may notice the following changes in behavior:
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Impaired judgement
- Emotional apathy
- Inability to follow directions
- Restlessness
- Inability to carry out a conversation
Medication Slows the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but clinicians are excited about new advances that may help them manage it more effectively, contributing to a better quality of life for patients.
Innovative new medications have been proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by 25 percent. Leqembi is one drug that removes the buildup of amyloid proteins and plaque from the brain which are believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease. RWJBarnabas Health offers Leqembi, and other options, to patients at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.Caring for People with Dementia
One of the best things you can do for a loved one facing dementia is to make sure they are comfortable and cared for. There are several assisted living facilities staffed with medical professionals trained and experienced in caring for patients with dementia.
Get Started Today
Contact us today if you need help confirming a diagnosis, obtaining medication or finding resources to help the patient and your family through this difficult time.
