FAQs about Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's can be a devastating disease, both for the person suffering from it and for their loved ones. However, you don't need to face it alone. Here at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, our doctors can help diagnose and accommodate Alzheimer's patients.

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a category of diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, and problem-solving skills. It interferes with daily life by affecting a person's ability to perform everyday activities, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

In 2014, about 5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is expected to triple to 14 million people by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's is more prevalent in older people, about 60 years old, and the risk increases as they age.

Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, even if the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. About 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. It's a debilitating disease that worsens over time and shrinks a person's life expectancy People with Alzheimer's live 4-to-8 years after diagnosis, but they can live as long as 20 years, depending on their own circumstances.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's?

  • Difficulty remembering newly learned information.
  • Disorientation
  • Changes in mood and behavior
  • Increased confusion about events, time, and place
  • Unfounded suspicions about family, friends, and professional caregivers
  • Continued memory loss
  • Difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking

How to test for Alzheimer's?

To diagnose Alzheimer's, doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment, functional abilities and identify behavior changes. Your doctor will ask you about your family history, diet, perform a routine physical exam to rule out other issues in addition to the overall assessment.

Whom should you contact for more information?

If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from Alzheimer's disease, then don't hesitate to contact Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, by calling (540) 667-1828.

Winchester Neurological Consultants

Office Hours

DOORS OPEN AT 8:15AM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed