Alzheimer's disease and dementia can affect your thinking and memory and take a toll on your daily functions. At Evolve Behavioral Health in Florence, Alabama, founders Debbie Tyson, CRNP, and Jessi Tidwell, CRNP, offer evidence-based treatments to help you regain your quality of life. If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease or dementia, click on the contact page to book an appointment online or call the friendly staff today.
Alzheimer's disease and dementia are related, but both are distinct conditions that affect cognitive functioning and memory, leading to a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks and maintain independence.
Dementia describes a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily routine.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. However, dementia can also be caused by other conditions like vascular disease, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinson's disease, among others.
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause and stage of the condition. Common symptoms include:
As the disease progresses, you may experience challenges with problem-solving, completing familiar tasks, and recognizing familiar faces or objects.
The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease and dementia aren’t fully understood, but they’re believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
In Alzheimer's disease, each of these “risk factors” is currently the subject of research that identifies various lifestyle factors, such as dietary habits, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which may influence your risk. Alzheimer’s is also thought to result from a complex cascade of biological processes in your brain.
Genetics can play a role in increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly in cases where specific gene mutations are present. Environmental factors such as cardiovascular health, head trauma, and education level may also influence the risk of developing dementia.
Currently, there’s no cure for Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Still, the Evolve Behavioral Health team offers several medications to help manage symptoms, temporarily improve cognitive function, slow the progression of the condition, and improve quality of life.
Nonpharmacological interventions are also available, including cognitive stimulation therapy, reminiscence therapy, and physical exercise.
In addition, supportive services, such as caregiver education and support groups, can also provide valuable resources to help cope with the challenges of dementia.
If you or a loved one struggles with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, contact Evolve Behavioral Health. They can provide evidence-based treatment to start your journey to a happy, healthier life. Call or book an appointment online today.