Dementia
Dementia Specialist & Doctor in Huntsville, Al
More than 5.8 million Americans have dementia, a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and cognitive function. At the Neurology Institute of Huntsville, board-certified and fellowship-trained neurologist Jitesh Kar, MD, has years of experience diagnosing and treating dementia. To make an appointment at the practice in Huntsville, Alabama, call the office or click the online booking feature today.
Dementia Q&A
Dementia isn’t a disease or a disorder. Instead, it refers to a group of symptoms that affect your ability to think clearly, remember things, and perform routine tasks.
There are various types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes the cells in the brain to degenerate and ultimately die.
Symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty communicating
- Confusion and disorientation
- Personality changes
- Anxiety and depression
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
As dementia progresses and gets worse, you might also have difficulty solving problems or handling complex tasks.
If you or a loved one experiences memory problems, difficulty communicating, or confusion, make an appointment at the Neurology Institute of Huntsville. Some treatable medical conditions present similar symptoms, so it’s important to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
- MCI (mild cognitive impairment) dementia
There’s no cure for dementia, but with early intervention and treatment, it’s possible to relieve symptoms. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your age, and medical history, Jitesh Kar might recommend:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (Drugs that boost the number of chemical messengers in your brain)
- Memantine (A drug that regulates the activity of the chemical messengers in your brain)
- Aduhelm (A new infusion in the early stages of development)
- Occupational therapy
- Healthy lifestyle changes
To learn more about the treatment options for dementia, make an appointment at the Neurology Institute of Huntsville by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool today.