Alzheimer’s And Dementia Specialist
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Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC
Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM
Board Certified Neurologist & Sleep Medicine Physician located in Hendersonville, NC serving Asheville, Brevard, Columbus, Weaverville, Morganton, NC and Upstate SC.
Experts estimate that about 44 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s and dementia disease. These ailments negatively affect memory and neurological function and require professional medical intervention. At Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, board-certified neurologist Aneeta Gupta, MD, DM, specializes in safe, effective treatments for Alzheimer’s and dementia. To schedule your appointment, call the office or book a consultation online today.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Q&A
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Many people use the terms Alzheimer’s and dementia interchangeably, but they’re two different things.
Dementia is a blanket term that refers to several neurological disorders characterized by a loss of memory, changes in language, trouble communicating, and poor judgment. Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia that gets worse over time. Although it can strike at any age, Alzheimer’s usually occurs when a person is in their mid to late 60s.
Even though Alzheimer’s and dementia present similar symptoms, treatment varies, as does the progression of the disease.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia?
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia vary in severity from person to person. Early warning signs include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty communicating or finding words
- Confusion
- Difficulty problem solving
- A loss of coordination and balance
- Personality changes
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty solving problems
As Alzheimer’s and dementia get worse, many people also experience difficulty with everyday tasks, such as preparing food, bathing, and getting dressed.
What causes Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes Alzheimer’s and dementia, but a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors may play a role. Changes in the brain also spur the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia, including damage to nerve cells and problems with brain proteins.
How are Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosed?
To diagnose Alzheimer’s and dementia, Dr. Gupta conducts a physical exam and neurological evaluation. Next, she reviews your medical history and asks you about your lifestyle and symptoms.
Dr. Gupta orders laboratory tests and brain imaging to rule out other potential causes of memory loss and confusion. If she suspects your symptoms are the result of depression, anxiety, or another related issue, Dr. Gupta may refer you to a mental health professional for a psychiatric evaluation.
How are Alzheimer’s and dementia treated?
Treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. There’s no cure for these conditions, but it’s possible to slow their progression and improve your general well-being.
If you have dementia, you might benefit from prescription cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications increase the production of chemical messengers in your brain that are responsible for memory and judgment. Dr. Gupta can also help you simplify daily tasks and modify your home environment to lower your risk falls or other accidents.
If you have Alzheimer’s, Dr. Gupta might recommend prescription cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, which slows the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. She can also provide you with tips and insights on creating a healthy home environment to ensure your comfort.
To schedule an Alzheimer’s and dementia appointment at Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC, call the office or book online today.