Alzheimer's & Memory Clinic

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder which is the commonest cause of dementia in the world. People with this disease experience progressive and frequent memory loss. They may become withdrawn with time and develop trouble in planning, thinking, interacting socially, working, or even looking after themselves.

How does Alzheimer’s develop?

Alzheimer’s disease is linked to accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain leading to brain shrinkage and brain cell death. However, the exact risk factors and causes of Alzheimer’s disease are subject of active research.

Who can develop Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease usually occurs in people aged 65 or above. In fact, the risk of developing the disease increases as the age progresses. The disease affects both males and females. A variant of the disease known as early onset Alzheimer’s can develop in people aged 30-60 years. 

How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed?

• Cognitive Assessment is used to diagnose the type of memory loss and extent of cognitive impairment.
• Certain tests are performed to diagnose the cause of memory loss

What are the tests to diagnose Alzheimer?

• Cognitive Assessment
  Human brain is extremely organised, each part supporting a special ability such as planning, memory, facial recognition, emotional processing, and others. Cognitive assessment involves questionnaires and puzzles that the patient is asked to solve to identify the brain areas that are not working normally. This test, therefore, helps to find out the type of dementia as well as determine its severity and monitor response to treatment.
• Laboratory tests
  Sometimes, there is a need for specialised laboratory tests like vitamin levels, metabolic markers, cerebrospinal fluid examination, endocrine assessment, and tumour markers as advised by the doctor.
• 3 Tesla MRI
  Specialised and advanced diagnostic tests like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Morphometric MR, volumetric MR, MR angiography, and Functional MRI help the doctor to clearly visualise the brain network and diagnose neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s early and monitor them.
• PET Scan
  This is the latest advancement in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementias. During this test, the activities of various brain areas are recorded by employing a specialised imaging technique.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  It is a technique of recording the brain rhythms by sticking some electrons on the scalp of the patient. This test helps determine the stage of Alzheimer’s disease as well as exclude other potential causes of dementias.

There is no definitive cure for Alzheimer’s disease presently but certain medications are available to alleviate the symptoms. These medications not only enhance cognitive abilities, but also delay the functional decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Effective treatment options are also available for behavioural problems like agitation, depression, and aggression. These behavioural problems are common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and can be very distressing for their family members.

How can the onset of Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?

The onset of Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented by:

• Education and counselling
• Maintaining an active lifestyle both physically and mentally
• Maintaining healthy eating habits
• Taking regular health checks, to maintain normal blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight
• Avoidance of smoking and intake of excessive alcohol.

Why get checked for Alzheimer’s disease?

Early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease helps to maximise the benefit of the available treatment modalities and to improve the prognosis. It also allows the patient to take part in decisions concerning medical treatment, living options, and financial and legal matters. Both the patient and their families can work together in building the right care team and social support network.

The Alzheimer’s and Memory Clinic at KokilabenDhirubhaiAmbani Hospital, Indore has been specially designed to assist and treat people with neurological problems resulting in progressive loss of memory, difficulty in speech and understanding, confusion, personality changes, different forms of hallucinations, aggressive behaviour, or depression.

The clinic offers comprehensive treatment and care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders affecting cognition and memory. The treatment modalities include neurological consultation, psychotherapy, and physical and cognitive rehabilitation. As behavioural and cognitive problems affect the patient’s family too, we also offer family counselling services to equip them with methods to cope up with the situation and support long-term home care.

The mission of our Alzheimer’s and Memory clinic is to offer the best in medical care by combining the latest medical technology with personalised care and attention to alleviate suffering of the patient and their families.