Identifying, managing Alzheimer’s Disease

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By Jessica L. Zwerling, MD, Director of the Montefiore Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease 

As we get older, it’s natural to forget things from time to time: the name of the actor in your favorite television show, the title of a movie you are seeing with friends, or where you put your house keys when you came home. Eventually the answers will come to you, even if it is in the middle of the night. It could be that you are worrying too much, or you might have a medical condition you are not aware of, like a vitamin deficiency.

But if you or a family member think your forgetfulness is getting worse, or--more important--getting in the way of daily life, it could be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Signs can include getting lost in a familiar place or having difficulty with tasks like paying bills or preparing meals.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress over time and, while there is no known cure for the disease, there are many options to help manage symptoms. Getting a diagnosis earlier means more time to learn about lifestyle changes and more time to plan for future healthcare and other needs. Support services can help you and your caregivers learn skills and strategies to manage everyday challenges. Research about Alzheimer’s disease is ongoing, and you may be able to join a clinical trial to slow the progression of the disease.

Start by talking to your doctor - they can review your medical record and your family’s medical history, which might help determine your risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Your physician may do a short and simple cognitive (memory) exam to see if you should have further testing. Often there is a complete physical exam, which helps to find any other conditions.

For a deeper look at memory problems, your doctor may refer you to a specialty center like Montefiore’s Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (CEAD). Specialty centers have doctors, and other staff who focus on supporting older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Joining support groups, accessing educational resources, and learning about advance planning can help you and your family. 

It is important for everyone to have healthcare that makes sense for them. Our providers consider cultural backgrounds and offer evaluations and support in multiple languages. We see patients and caregivers as a dyad, a single team with two parts; our goal is to help families manage stress and schedules so that everyone can have the best outcomes. 

Specialty centers like our CEAD can help connect you with other doctors you might need, for example a cardiologist or diabetes specialist, for your overall health. And we’ll help you get connected to support services that can help you and follow-up with you, to see how you’re doing.  

Getting the right diagnosis early on can help you learn about the best care options and take practical steps like engaging support services for you and your loved ones. There is strength in learning and finding resources; together with the right team you can feel empowered on your Alzheimer’s journey.