What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that slowly damages nerve cells. It happens when harmful proteins build up inside brain cells, affecting how they work and communicate. Over time, this damage leads to memory loss and changes in thinking and behavior. It’s the most common cause of dementia, affecting more than 5 million Americans every year. Most people who develop the condition are over age 65.
At Penn Medicine, our specialists in memory and cognitive disorders care provide the support you and your family need. The Penn Memory Center offers a single home for testing, treatment, and the latest research. Our goal is to create a plan that fits your life and helps you stay independent for as long as possible. We offer access to new therapies, genetic screening, and advanced brain imaging to help manage symptoms and provide a clear path forward.
How Alzheimer’s disease affects memory
We do not know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but studies show a combination of genetics and other environmental factors may play a role. Alzheimer’s disease is not an inevitable part of aging. Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, but AD is a serious condition that can cause significant cognitive decline. Symptoms usually start mild and worsen over time as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and signs include:
- Difficulty with movements including walking, swallowing, and speaking
- Impaired language, vision, and judgment
- Loss of emotional control
- Loss of memory (typically having difficulty recalling newly learned information)
- Mood and behavior changes
How Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed
At Penn Neurology, we offer the latest advancements in diagnostic testing for Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnosing AD requires a combination of different types of diagnostic testing. Through comprehensive testing, we can accurately diagnose AD and rule out other forms of dementia.
Managing Alzheimer’s disease
Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be an overwhelming and stressful time for patients, families and caregivers. Here, we provide comprehensive, individualized care to Alzheimer’s patients through every stage of the disease.
Treatment for AD is better than ever. We offer the latest advancements in care combined with access to novel clinical trials. These innovative treatments work to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms and greatly improve quality of life. Treatments for AD include:
- Medications that slow the progression of the disease.
- Physical and occupational therapy to assist with walking and difficulties with movement.
- Referral to clinical trials for investigational diagnostic tests and treatments.
- Treatment for the behavioral consequences of these diseases includes disruptions of sleep, disruptions of mood and loss of impulse control.
Coordinated care for memory disorders
Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently, and care should reflect those individual needs. As one of the largest cognitive neurology programs in the nation, Penn Medicine brings together experts across specialties to provide coordinated support.
Our treatment centers and referral services include:
- The Penn Memory Center: This center provides long-term care planning, caregiver support groups, and counseling services.
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation: Our therapists help you stay strong and mobile to reduce the risk of falls and support independence.
- Sleep medicine: Our specialists treat sleep issues like insomnia or sleep apnea, which can often make memory symptoms worse if left alone.