New Frontiers in Alzheimer’s Care: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Do you know someone who suffers from dementia, has memory loss, or has ever been told that they have Alzheimer’s disease?

Beyond Memory Loss: The True Face of Alzheimer’s Disease

Some people think Alzheimer’s disease is just a memory loss issue. Yes, that is true, but it is much more than that because, in the end game, you lose who you are. 

• You lose cherished connections: You can’t remember who your loved ones or friends are anymore.
• Everyday life becomes challenging: Basic self-care, like feeding, dressing, and bathing, becomes difficult or impossible.
• Your personality can change: You may become unexpectedly angry or withdraw from those around you.

Cutting-Edge Tests for More Accurate Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease can be a life-altering experience, and for many years, no definitive test existed to confirm the presence of the disease with certainty. Today, however, a variety of advanced diagnostic tools offer greater accuracy. While blood tests that identify specific biomarkers, such as abnormal levels of tau proteins, are emerging and promising significant advancements, they are not yet universally approved and can be costly.

Other innovative methods include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, each with its own advantages:

• CSF Analysis (Spinal Tap): This method examines the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord for biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s. Although more invasive, it can provide valuable insights into the presence of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• PET Scans: PET scans use radioactive tracers to visualize amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, offering a detailed view of Alzheimer’s-related changes. One of the key benefits of PET scans is their ability to be repeated over time, allowing doctors to monitor disease progression and assess the effectiveness of treatments by observing changes in plaque levels.

These advanced diagnostic options provide a clearer picture of what’s happening in the brain, allowing for earlier and more precise diagnoses. It’s important for patients to consult with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach based on individual needs and circumstances.

Understanding Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles

You might be wondering, what exactly are amyloid plaques and tau tangles? Think of amyloid plaques as sticky clumps that form between the brain’s nerve cells, making it harder for them to communicate with each other. Tau, on the other hand, is a protein that helps stabilize the structure of nerve cells. However, when tau proteins misfold, they twist into tangles inside the cells, disrupting the internal messaging system. This makes it harder for the brain’s cells to function properly, leading to the cognitive difficulties associated with Alzheimer’s.

These plaques and tangles are the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s disease, and thanks to the latest advancements in medical imaging, we can now see these changes in the brain much earlier. This means we can take action sooner, giving you and your loved ones more precious time to enjoy life and make memories.

Hope on the Horizon: New Medications for Alzheimer’s Disease

It is important that someone gets early and accurate testing for Alzheimer’s because I am here to tell you that there is promising hope because we are living in a revolutionary time with some scientific breakthroughs in medicines that have been proven to be effective in treating Alzheimer’s-related dementia. There are two FDA-approved medications that are showing great results in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s, allowing more independent living and function.  

• Aducanumab (Aduhelm): This innovative medication targets and helps reduce amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Lecanemab (Leqembi): Another groundbreaking treatment, Leqembi also works to clear amyloid plaques, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.

These two FDA-approved medications are showing great results in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s, allowing more independent living and function. While these breakthroughs are exciting, every individual’s journey with Alzheimer’s is unique. Our providers are dedicated to working closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.

Connect with an Alzheimer’s Doctor

Leading the Way in Alzheimer’s Care and Treatment in Panama City

The team at Brain & Spine Specialists has been leading the way in our community in getting patients diagnosed early and providing treatment options. So, do you want to know if you have Alzheimer’s? Then let us help, come see us and learn more about Alzheimer’s, how you can be tested, and what treatment options could be available to you.

Dr. Jennifer Reeves, DNP, APRN
Doctor of Nursing
Neurology