Have you ever entered a room only to wonder what you needed from there, or searched frantically for your glasses — but discovered they were resting atop your head? Or perhaps you’ve told a story and certain words just didn’t come to mind easily.
As we get older, it’s normal to have a “senior moment” now and then, but what might indicate that it’s something more concerning, like Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that gradually erases memory and shatters the ability to think clearly?
Don’t shy away from seeing your trusted provider at Houston Neurological Institute. The expert team here can talk with you about what you or a loved one has been experiencing and order testing so you can get to the bottom of what’s going on.
If we diagnose Alzheimer’s or other dementia, we’re prepared with advanced treatments to slow the disease’s progression and help you or your family member live as normal a life as possible.
We know that even contemplating Alzheimer’s disease — the most prevalent type of dementia diagnosed in the United States — can be scary, but the more you know about what to look out for, the better you can understand when you should seek testing and treatment.
As we noted, we’re all bound to forget things here and there, it’s only normal. But it’s critical to know what signs might point to dementia, because prompt care and treatment is so important.
Something that differentiates Alzheimer’s disease from mere forgetfulness is that the memory deficits and other cognitive problems become noticeably disruptive.
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms in patients include:
Since Alzheimer's disease is progressive, there are three stages of the condition: mild, moderate, and severe. Though a person in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s might be confused for short periods or seemingly forget “normal” things, as the disease progresses, problems become more complex.
Someone with mild Alzheimer’s may repeat themselves or have a tendency to wander, while a person with moderate Alzheimer’s might be unable to recognize familiar people or have more language challenges.
If a person living with more advanced Alzheimer’s loses something, for example, they may conclude that someone stole it, or they get to the point where they can’t care for themselves and live independently.
When a patient visits Houston Neurological Institute for testing, we provide a thorough physical examination and a complete neurological evaluation as well. This testing allows us to rule out other things that can contribute to memory loss and other symptoms, like medication side effects or a mini-stroke. Even vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms that mimic Alzheimer’s disease.
We also order brain imaging tests so we can analyze any inconsistencies or brain changes that indicate Alzheimer’s.
Since treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is centered around improving a patient’s quality of life, we recommend:
We also emphasize family support, since the patient isn’t the only one affected by and dealing with the condition.
We’re committed to adopting the latest innovations in Alzheimer’s care and partnering with families and caregivers to meet patients where they are on the Alzheimer’s spectrum.
If you’re concerned about cognitive changes with a loved one or yourself, please call our Pearland or Pasadena office to schedule an appointment, or book one with us online.
