Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Conditions

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is a generalized term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities that are considered serious enough to interfere with daily life and operations. It accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. It is a progressive disease that worsens with time.

As Alzheimer’s and dementia progress, behaviors and anxieties can change. This will change the role of caregivers as the style and manner of care can change, as well. Because these behaviors can be challenging, it is important for caregivers to receive ongoing support and education to improve their lives and the life of their loved one.

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Why Does the AMA Medical Group Promote Comprehensive Physical Exams?

Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Although its greatest risk factors is advanced or increasing age, the majority of which are 65 years of age or older, but it is not a disease of old age. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. On average, persons with Alzheimer’s will live 4-8 years post-diagnosis, though they can live as long as 20 or more years.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a generalized term for the decline in mental ability that is considered severe enough to interfere with daily life and operations. Memory loss is a common symptom. The most common form of Alzheimer’s is dementia. Dementia is not considered a specific disease, but instead describes a family of symptoms associated with a decline in memory and/or cognitive ability. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s, followed by vascular dementia, which can occur after a stroke.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia vary greatly. However, there are some core mental and cognitive abilities that must be significantly impaired for it to be considered dementia. It is crucial to receive proper medical care if you suspect that you or a loved one may have dementia. People with dementia may have a problem with short term memory, such as finding a purse or a wallet. They may struggle with paying bills and remembering appointments.

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Memory loss.
  • Impaired communication and language.
  • Reduced focus or ability to pay attention.
  • Interference with reasoning or judgment.
  • Disrupted visual perception.

Treatments for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are complex conditions. Current approaches aim to help patients maintain mental function and behavioral symptoms to slow down disease progression. There are several prescription drugs used by the U.S. to treat people who have been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Most medications work best when the disease is diagnosed in the early or middle stages.

Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Razadyne, Exelon, and Aricept, are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They may reduce some unpleasant symptoms and control behavioral issues.

For more advanced cases, an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist called Namenda, is prescribed. This serves to decrease symptoms, which has the possibility of helping patients maintain certain daily operations.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. These damages result in an interference with the brain cells to communicate with each other. When they cannot communicate properly, normal thinking and behavioral abilities can be affected. It’s important to remember that the brain has several distinct regions and damage to these regions can result in a loss of memory, judgment, or motor function if the cells in these regions are damaged.

Contact Us

AMA medical group was founded to support every member of the community. If you or a loved one have dementia or Alzheimer’s and are experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us at (727) 331-8740 to schedule an appointment.

What People Are Saying

Lynn F
2022-06-30
5 star so far! Had my second appointment today after labs..Very thorough from start to finish. A very busy place, I have worked in many medical offices, so I had to mention how organized and caring the staff has been to me. PA took all the time I needed and I am sure her schedule was booked! I felt so much better as I left , as all my concerns were addressed in a caring, calming way. Thank you everso, I had not experienced this yet, in my med advantage insurance physician visits
exer cise
2022-04-21
Very clean, organized and friendly staff
brenda dent
2022-04-04
I actually moved further away, but kept Dr. Fana because the entire staff and especially Dr. Fana gives you the feeling of “”you are the only patient”. Takes time to thoroughly explain issues and concerns.
Nancy Brown
2021-10-09
One of my reasons for moving back to Florida was to find a medical group that I could communicate with and who could take care of my medical needs for the rest of my life. I am so happy and more satisfied than I could have imagined with Dr. Dones and PA, Benjamin Love. Both take the time to listen to my questions and concerns. They clearly explain options and recommendations very thoroughly in terms that I understand and trust. I am relieved that they know the hospitals, should I ever be hospitalized. I recently sprained my foot on a Sunday night and left a message with the answering service. An x-ray was set up for the next morning as well as an appointment at AMA with Dr. Dones, first thing in the morning. The whole staff is really great and very easy to talk with. It's nice that they have their own lab in the building too. It is a gentle place.
Carole Mayne
2021-05-04
Wonderful caring staff & Doctors! The best care you will ever receive in Central Florida! Attention to your condition & caring follow up! Love Dr Fana-Souchet
Kathy Hall
2021-03-01
Thank you so much for taking care of my mom. I am forever grateful to AMA!

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