FREE CONSULTATION Los Alamitos/Long Beach Orange County San Fernando Valley

When Does Normal Memory Loss Become Abnormal?
By Oscar Pakier, M.D

As we get older, and notice more frequent memory lapses, there is an increasing concern that we may be developing dementia. Dementia is a general term for an illness where there is a profound, progressive loss of memory, and a decline in one’s ability to function independently. Dementia is not a part of normal aging, but it is a disease that affects older people.

There is a normal loss of memory as we age that is not considered an illness. This usually involves a decreased ability to learn new information or solve problems. There is also a gradual loss in processing and remembering spoken and visual information. This accounts for trouble recalling names or forgetting where we put things. This may be why older folks have trouble learning new skills like computer skills. Complaints of memory loss should not be entirely ignored. A recent study indicated that about 20% of those complaining of memory loss to their doctors did eventually develop dementia.

There are multiple causes for dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease, a progressive degeneration of brain tissue, is the most common cause. Other conditions which may increase the risk of dementia include small strokes, diabetes and high blood pressure. Parkinson’s Disease is often associated with dementia.

A thorough medical evaluation is necessary with memory loss because some causes are highly treatable. Depression in the older adults commonly causes significant concentration problems often mistaken for dementia. Other treatable causes of memory loss include: thyroid disease, Vitamin B12 deficiency, and a disease that causes an increased pressure in the brain, called normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Specific treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease are now limited to drugs that increase a brain neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Unfortunately, these medications only delay the progression of the illness. Current research is studying the biochemical steps of how Alzheimer’s Disease develops. Scientists are looking for answers on how to slow this process; however, a real cure seems years away. We now work with those affected to increase quality and enjoyment of life. This illness often causes the greatest stress on the caregivers. Many groups, like the Alzheimer’s Association provide information about dementia and support groups for patients and their families. For more information regarding support groups or new treatments, please contact your local PRI office.

Help Possibly Prevent Or Slow Down Memory Loss

If You Feel Someone You Care For May Suffer From Memory Loss Or Early Alzheimer's Disease – They Could Qualify For PRI's NEWEST Research Medication Program.

No one knows exactly what causes Memory Loss or Alzheimer's Disease. Understanding will provide the basis for advances in all other areas of research, including treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and care. In the last year alone, much has been learned about factors that can contribute to the onset of Memory Loss/Alzheimer's Disease.

Find out if someone you care about may qualify to join a study to identify a potential new medication for Memory Loss/Alzheimer's Disease.

 


Concerned About Your Loved One's Memory? 

Memory Assessment Checklist

Please complete the questions below to determine if someone you care for is a candidate for the newest Memory Loss/Alzheimer's Disease research study and is eligible for additional screening at one of our PRI locations. 

In the boxes below, please indicate Yes, No or Not Applicable as appropriate.
 

Yes

No

Not Applicable
Are you at least 50 years of age? *    
Do you have a history of seizures or any seizure disorder? *    

In the below boxes, indicate if you experience these symptoms:

 
Never
Occasionally
Frequently
Intermittent, yet increasingly noticeable memory loss?
Increased difficulty performing familiar tasks?
Noticeable new problems with language?
A tendency to reduce social and mental activity?
Misplacing things in unusual places?
Out of the ordinary changes in mood or behavior?
Subtle, yet noticeable, changes in personality?
Decreasing initiative mentally and/or physically?
Poor, decreased or questionable judgment?
More easily disoriented to time or place?
Trouble handling complicated financial affairs (such as income taxes, balancing checkbook)?
Repeating the same things over and over (questions, stories or statements)?
Less interested in hobbies or activities?

Or click the button below to contact us by phone:


The Dilemma of Caregiver Stress
by Alan L. Schneider, M.D

America is growing older by the decade. While at the turn of the century those over age 65 made up only 4% of the population, today they account for 14% and by the year 2030 20% of all Americans will be in the geriatric range. With changes in health care, it is estimated that we will have many more individuals in the >85 age group and the number of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease will rise from the current 4 million to an estimated 10 million or more over the next 30 years. Who will care for these people?

Traditionally, caregivers of Alzheimer’s dementia patients have been spouses or adult children. Although nursing homes and assisted living facilities seem very widespread in Los Angeles, the majority of our older citizens live at home. Caring for individuals with an illness such as Alzheimer’s disease creates incredible burdens. Given that the average lifespan of afflicted persons can be up to 10 years or more, being the primary caregiver can be a daunting task.

Over the last 22 years there has been much interest in the health status of family members caring for individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancers and Alzheimer’s dementia. We know that almost 70% of the spouses of dementia patients experience serious health problems that increase over time, including lack of sleep, fatigue, depression, and potentially increased rates of heart disease and cancer.

What do we need to do to help the helpers?
If you are a caregiver of someone with a chronic illness the first and most important task is to identify that like everyone else, your resources are limited and you are subject to stress. Attending to the early warning signs (short temperedness, poor sleep, or the new onset of physical aches and pains) should alert you that you may be overwhelmed. Make sure that you are getting plenty of rest and that you have stable eating patterns. If you seem to be more irritable or find yourself frequently feeling sad or blue, consult your physician immediately. Remember, there are many more resources available than you may realize (such as the Alzheimer’s Association local support groups). Here at PRI we are interested in caring for not only the patient, but also those that care for them.