Dementia isnt a specific disease. Instead, dementia describes a
group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities
severely enough to interfere with daily functioning (1998- 2015
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research).
Slide 3
Many people refer to Dementia as Senile dementia. This
reference incorrectly reflects that serious mental decline is
considered a part of normal aging. This also used to be known as
the hardening of the arteries for our loved ones prior to the
Dementia diagnosis.
Slide 4
In order for a dementia diagnosis to occur, there needs to be a
least TWO core mental functions that have a SIGNIFICANT decline or
impairment. These are as follows:
Slide 5
Memory Communication and Language Ability to Focus and Pay
Attention Reasoning and Judgement Visual Perception
http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
Slide 6
Just because someone is experiencing some form of memory loss,
does NOT mean they have a diagnosis of Dementia. There ARE other
causes for memory loss or delirium. If you or a loved one is
experiencing these symptoms, please seek medical treatment, for
these symptoms could potentially be reversed with treatment. This
could be a reaction to an infection (i.e. Urinary Tract Infection),
or a medication that is currently being taken.
Diagnosed through a completed medical assessment. These tests
can determine the prevelance of dementia, however not necessarily
what type. If Alzheimers may be an option by the physician,
additional testing may be required. These are as follows:
Slide 9
Through a medical history Mental Status Testing Physical and
Neurological Exam Tests (such as blood tests and brain imaging) to
rule out other causes of dementia-like symptoms
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_diagn osis.asp
Slide 10
Find the right doctor! It is found that a skilled physician is
around 90% accurate when diagnosing Alzheimers!
Slide 11
Contact your primary care physician or find a doctor you feel
comfortable with. Many primary care physicians will oversee the
diagnosis process Primary care physicians may refer you to a
specialist in dementia. -Neurologist -Psychologist
-Psychiatrist
Slide 12
Slide 13
Importance of Early Diagnosis Although the onset of Alzheimer's
disease cannot yet be stopped or reversed, an early diagnosis
allows people with dementia and their families: A better chance of
benefiting from treatment More time to plan for the futureplan for
the future Lessened anxieties about unknown problems Increased
chances of participating in clinical drug trials, helping advance
researchclinical drug trials An opportunity to participate in
decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and
legal matters living optionsfinanciallegal matters Time to develop
a relationship with doctors and care partners Benefit from care and
support services, making it easier for them and their family to
manage the disease.
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_diagnosis.asp
Slide 14
Keeping mentally active. Stimulate your brain! Keeping socially
active Regular physical activity-maintains regular blood and oxygen
flow to the brain Heart healthy dieting- low sugar, saturated fats,
eat plenty of fruits, veggies and whole grains. Wear a seat belt
Wear a helmet during sports Make your home fall safe! DENIAL MAKES
THINGS WORSE http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_preven
tion_and_risk.asp
Slide 15
Two diets that have been studied and may be beneficial are the
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet and the
Mediterranean diet. The DASH diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits and
fat-free or low-fat dairy products; includes whole grains, fish,
poultry, beans, seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils; and limits sodium,
sweets, sugary beverages, and red meats. A Mediterranean diet
includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains,
fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, and nuts, olive oil and
other healthy fats.
http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_preven
tion_and_risk.asp
Slide 16
Alzheimers Associaiation TrialMatch database Johns Hopkins
University Georgetown University 1. Alzheimer's Prevention Registry
Purpose: To enroll individuals who are interested in learning about
and possibly participating in Alzheimer's prevention clinical
studies and trials in a national registry.Alzheimer's Prevention
Registry 2. Brain Health Registry Purpose: To enroll people
interested in participating in brain health research in an ongoing
online registry.Brain Health Registry 3. Caregiver Health-e Brain
Study Purpose: To assess the cognitive health of caregivers of
people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.Caregiver
Health-e Brain Study
Slide 17
1. AC-1204 for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Purpose: To
evaluate the effects of AC-1204 on cognition, activities of daily
living, quality of life, pharmacokinetic measures, and safety in
people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.AC-1204 for Mild
to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease 2. AZD3293 in Early Alzheimer's
Disease (AMARANTH) Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of
AZD3293 as a possible treatment for early Alzheimers
disease.AZD3293 in Early Alzheimer's Disease (AMARANTH) 3. BAN2401
for Early Alzheimer's Disease Purpose: To determine the
effectiveness of the experimental drug BAN2401 as a possible
treatment for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild
Alzheimer's disease.BAN2401 for Early Alzheimer's Disease 4.
EVP-6124 for Treating Alzheimer's Disease Purpose: To evaluate the
safety and efficacy of EVP-6124 as a potential treatment for mild
to moderate Alzheimer's disease.EVP-6124 for Treating Alzheimer's
Disease 5. Lidocaine for Neuroprotection During Cardiac Surgery
Purpose: To see if the drug lidocaine can prevent cognitive decline
after heart surgery.Lidocaine for Neuroprotection During Cardiac
Surgery 6. MK-8931 for Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (APECS)
Purpose: To assess MK-8931 as a possible treatment for amnestic
mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.MK-8931 for
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (APECS) 7. MK-8931 for Mild to
Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Purpose: To assess the efficacy and
safety of MK-8931 as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's
disease.MK-8931 for Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/clinical-trials/results?statequery=Virginia