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An early diagnosis may be very beneficial

 

 

 

 

Learning about Alzheimer's Disease

 

Learning about Alzheimer's Disease

 

 


Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Many people understand that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with memory loss and confusion. However, Alzheimer’s is more than just a loss of memory. It is a degenerative and terminal disease.

The 2008 report issued by the Alzheimer’s Association indicated three concerning statistics:

  • Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death

  • 10 million US baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Every 71 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

For more information, please visit www.alz.org

 

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Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease

 

Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease

 


When symptoms are reported to physicians that are indications of dementia there are several tests which the physician may choose to perform.

The three primary categories of testing include:

1. Behavioral assessment: Family members are often first to notice behavioral changes and should report them to the physician. Restlessness, outbursts, emotional distress, changes in walking, speaking, decision making, or a reduced ability to perform simple everyday tasks are important to mention to the family physician.

2. Cognitive testing: The most common form of cognitive testing is the use of the mini mental state exam. This exam generally tests four areas of cognitive function: retention, attention and calculation, recall, and language. The benefit of Cognitive is that it can identify dementia. The drawback is that it does not identify the cause. Further testing is necessary to help the physician choose the correct treatment plan.

3. Brain imaging scans: A Positron Emission Tomography (or PET scan) is a functional test which typically shows how well the brain cells are working. A CT scan is an anatomical scan and shows what the brain looks like. When these two scans are performed together, the board certified physician (radiologist) may be able to interpret if early signs of Alzheimer’s visible.

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Treating Alzheimer's Disease

Treating Alzheimer's Disease


Currently, there are no cures for Alzheimer’s Disease.

However, there are helpful treatment methods available. To prescribe the most appropriate plan, physicians often divide the patient’s symptoms into two categories: cognitive and behavioral.

 

For cognitive symptoms, a physician may prescribe a cholinesterase (KOH-luh-NES-ter-ays) inhibitor such as Aricept, Exelonor, or Razadyne. These prescriptions reportedly support the communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylsholine levels high. These medications are generally prescribed in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. An additional medication, memantine, was approved by the FDA in 2003. This prescription is believed to work by regulating glutamate. Glutamate is a messenger chemical involved in memory and learning. Memantine is often prescribed in the later stages.

 

For behavioral symptoms, there are non-drug therapies and prescription therapies in use. Non-drug treatment includes understanding what the individual is going through and adjusting the environment to create a calm and relaxing setting which will induce comfort, security and peace of mind.

 

There are various drug options (anti-depression, anti-psychosis, and anxiolytics) available to prescribe if a medicinal regimen is desired or recommended.

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PET & CT Screening for Alzheimer's Disease

PET & CT Screening for Alzheimer's Disease

 

  • An early diagnosis may be very beneficial. The individual is given the ability to make his/her own choices regarding future quality of life and residential care.
     

  • There is ease of mind in making decisions that will protect the future of a spouse or dependents.
     

  • An early treatment may offer a better opportunity to benefit from treatment.
     

  • Alzheimer’s screening exams are generally not covered by insurance.
     

  • Advanced Medical Imaging is currently offering an Alzheimer’s screening exam at a reduced cost. The exam will include a brain PET scan and a limited CT scan. The exam cost is $999.00.
     

  • Payment arrangements are available.
     

  • A physician order is required.
     

  • Two locations to serve you: Advanced Medical Imaging Stone Oak and Advanced Medical Imaging Toepperwein.
     

  • Please call 210-489-7219 to schedule. Phone lines open Monday –Friday 8a.m-8p.m. and Saturdays 8a.m.- Noon.

Thank you for choosing Advanced Medical Imaging.
 

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Locations and Appointment Information
 

Locations and Appointment Information

  
 

Two locations to serve you:

Please call 210-489-7219 to schedule.

Phone lines are open:  Monday - Friday:   8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
                             Saturdays:           8 a.m. - Noon

 

Thank you for choosing Advanced Medical Imaging

 

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All information regarding Alzheimer’s disease on this site is of general nature and is for educational purposes only. The information has been obtained from the Alzheimer’s Association www.Alz.org  and www.alzheimers.about.com/od/treatmentofalzheimers/a/treatments.htm
Radiology Associates of San Antonio, P.A. and its dba’s are not providing a recommendation for a particular course of action regarding your mental health. The material in this website is not intended to provide specific medical advice. Any medical care or decisions should be made by you and your medical physician.

 

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