Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.5 million people in the United States. This disease causes mental decline, confusion, and dementia. At Precise Research Centers in Flowood, Mississippi, Joseph Kwentus, MD, oversees clinical trials that examine the latest and newest treatments for this devastating disease. Call today to learn how you or a loved one can become involved, or use this website to fill out the inquiry form online.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent cause of dementia. This progressive brain disorder is incurable and irreversible. It affects women more often than men and usually strikes after age 65. Younger people can develop Alzheimer’s, but it’s much less common. This condition is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s, also known as early onset Alzheimer’s. 

Alzheimer’s impacts the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.

Alzheimer’s disease develops in stages:

Mild Alzheimer’s disease

At first, mild Alzheimer’s primarily affects your recent memories. You may maintain long-ago memories but find yourself forgetting your address or whether you’ve recently eaten. It takes longer to complete routine tasks, and you may find it more difficult to understand people. 

Mild Alzheimer’s disease is also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Moderate Alzheimer’s disease

With moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms, areas of your brain that regulate reasoning and process language are negatively altered. You might become increasingly confused and unable to recognize your friends and family some or most of the time.

Severe Alzheimer’s disease

Patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease have trouble speaking, eating, and caring for themselves. 

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers aren’t completely sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease. It occurs once proteins in your brain malfunction, so your brain cells don’t work correctly. Alzheimer’s also involves destroying specific nerve cells that create connections in your brain. 

A combination of your genes, environment, and lifestyle contributes to the changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but the latest treatments can delay its progression and help you maintain a high quality of life. The goal of treatment is to support continued brain health, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow the development of symptoms of the disease. 

Precise Research Centers runs clinical trials of cutting-edge medications that can help you maintain brain function. These medications address behavioral symptoms like sleeplessness, wandering, anxiety, agitation, and depression. 

The supportive staff can also help with occupational and behavioral therapy. 

Learn more about the clinical trials now enrolling participants for Alzheimer’s disease research by contacting Precise Research Centers. Call today or fill out the online form.