Memory Disorders Clinic at The Memory Disorders Clinic at The Ohio State University Medical Center provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other related memory disorders. Our qualified team of health care professionals is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of care and support for our patients and their caregivers. We are also committed to enhancing the education of patients, caregivers, medical professionals and the public. The Memory Disorders Clinic welcomes physician inquiries, consultations and referrals. Patients must be referred to the clinic by their primary care provider or specialty care provider. Find an OSU Primary Care Network office close to you. The mission of the Memory Disorders Clinic at Ohio State University Medical Center includes conducting research in improving the diagnosis and eventual cure of Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other related memory disorders. A research fund has been set up to provide an opportunity for individuals, families and organizations to become a part of the cure by donating funds to help facilitate and support the research efforts here in the Memory Disorders Clinic. This money is used directly for research conducted at Ohio State. The research has provided substantial benefits to the local Ohio patients and families that participated in the studies and has contributed important knowledge regarding Alzheimer's disease and other dementing conditions to the research community and the world. Learn more about current research studies and about the research fund
Alzheimer's DiseaseWhat is Alzheimer's disease?Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that occurs in the brain and often results in the following:
With Alzheimer's disease, motor function is often preserved. When Alzheimer's was first identified by German physician, Alois Alzheimer, in 1906, it was considered a rare disorder. Today, with one in 10 persons over age 65 (and nearly half of persons over age 85) affected, Alzheimer's disease is recognized as the most common cause of dementia (a disorder in which mental functions deteriorate and breakdown). How is Alzheimer's different from other forms of dementia?Alzheimer's disease is distinguished from other forms of dementia by characteristic changes in the brain that are visible only upon microscopic examination during autopsy. Brains affected by Alzheimer's disease often show presence of the following:
Another characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is the reduced production of certain brain chemicals necessary for communication between nerve cells, especially acetylcholine, as well as norepinephrine, serotonin, and soma-to statin. What causes Alzheimer's disease?Although intense investigation has been underway for many years, the causes of Alzheimer's disease are not entirely known. Suspected causes often include the following:
What are the warning signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?According to the Alzheimer's Association, the following are the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. How is Alzheimer's diagnosed?There is not a single, comprehensive test for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. By ruling out other conditions through a process of elimination, physicians, or other specialists, can obtain a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease with approximately 90 percent accuracy. However, the only way to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is through autopsy. Examination and evaluation are essential in determining whether the dementia is the result of a treatable illness. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for Alzheimer's disease may include the following:
Prevention of Alzheimer's:Because the cause of the disease is unknown, there are no prevention protocols to follow at this time. And, because the controllable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease are unknown, it is not yet possible to reduce the chances of developing the disease. Treatment for Alzheimer's:Specific treatment for Alzheimer's disease will be determined by your physician based on:
At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, no way of slowing down the progression of this disease, and no treatment available to reverse the deterioration of Alzheimer's disease. New research findings give reason for hope, and several drugs are being studied in clinical trials to determine if they can slow the progress of the disease or improve memory for a period of time. There are some medications available to assist in managing some of the most troubling symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including the following:
In managing the disease, physical exercise and social activity are important, as are proper nutrition, health maintenance, and a calm and well-structured environment. Alzheimer's rehabilitation:The rehabilitation program for persons with Alzheimer's differs depending upon the symptoms, expression, and progression of the disease, and the fact that making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's is so difficult. These variables determine the amount and type of assistance needed for the Alzheimer's individual and family. With Alzheimer's rehabilitation, it is important to remember that, although any skills lost will not be regained, the caregiving team must keep in mind the following considerations:
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