Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research Michael Koren, MD, Erin Doty, MD, Carolyn Tran, MD and Steven Toenjes, MD

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research Michael Koren, MD, Erin Doty, MD, Carolyn Tran, MD and Steven Toenjes, MD"

Francine Phillips
5 years ago
Views:

1 Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research Michael Koren, MD, Erin Doty, MD, Carolyn Tran, MD and Steven Toenjes, MD

2 Is Memory Loss Normal With Aging? There are normal age-related changes with cognitive function. Our brains change as we age, just like our bodies. It does not interfere with a full and productive life Forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses Sometimes forgetting which word to use Taking longer to think of a person s name Some memory changes can be the result of a treatable condition.

3 When is Memory Loss worrisome? Early signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment: Forgetting things more often. Forgetting important events (e.g., appointments, social engagements). Losing train of thought or thread of conversation, books or movies. Feeling overwhelmed by making decisions. Feeling overwhelmed by interpreting instructions. Difficulty planning steps to accomplish a task. Trouble finding your way around your usual environment. Family and/or friends noticing these changes. They know you best!

4 When does Memory Loss = Alzheimer s Disease? Misplacing items in inappropriate places. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing when they are unable to find the missing item Significant impact on daily life and independence Forgetting recently learned information Forgetting important dates or events Relying on family members for things they used to handle on their own (e.g. paying bills, balancing the checkbook) Asking the same question over and over

5 Alzheimer s Disease is more than memory loss Challenges in planning or solving problems (following a recipe, balancing checkbook) Difficulty with making decisions Difficulty using household appliances (microwave, television) Trouble driving to a familiar location or getting lost in a familiar area Difficulty with keeping track of the date, season, or passage of time Difficulty reading Difficulty following a conversation Difficulty with finding the right word or calling things by the wrong name Withdrawal from hobbies or social activities

6 Cognitive Changes Over Time:

7 Changes Happen to the Brain Over Time:

8 Age Family History Genetics Modifiable risk factors: Head trauma Alzheimer s Disease Risk Factors Heart-head connection - high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol. The incidence is higher in women due to women living longer **Overall healthy aging may help protect against Alzheimer s**

9 How to help your brain age in a healthy way

10 If you are concerned, talk to your Doctor: Selecting a Doctor Doctors can diagnose Alzheimer s disease with accuracy Start with: physician who is experienced with diagnosing Alzheimer s Consult the following as needed: Geriatrician Neurologist Psychiatrist Neuropsychologist Preparing for the doctor s visit Keep a log Write a list of symptoms, be specific Include when, how often and where Develop the list with input from other family members Alz.org List current and previous health problems Bring all medications (prescriptions, vitamins, herbal supplements, and over the counter medications)

13 Cost of Care

17 Bill Gates Bill Gates Reveals His Father Suffers From Alzheimer's Disease and He's Committing $100 Million to Stopping It I first became interested in Alzheimer s because of its costs both emotional and economic to families and healthcare systems. The financial burden of the disease is much easier to quantify.

19 Time is not on our side

20 Clinical Research Studies Participating in clinical trials has the potential to help both the individual participant and other individuals who have Alzheimer s or are at risk of developing it. You can play a more active role in your own health care You can gain access to potential treatments before they are widely available You can receive expert medical care at no cost to you while participating in important medical research You can help future generations your children and grandchildren- by contributing to Alzheimer s research

23 Thank you!

10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER S DISEASE EARLY DETECTION MATTERS

10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER S DISEASE EARLY DETECTION MATTERS UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA Your memory often changes as you grow older. Some people recognize changes in themselves before anyone else notices.