

The physicians and staff of the St. Luke's Memory Disorder Center will provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with memory problems and/or dementia and provide education and assistance for families and caregivers.
A multidisiplinary team will address related psychosocial issues, physical disabilities and optimize functional capacities.
DementiaDementia itself is not a disease. Instead, the word “dementia” covers several symptoms caused by brain disorders, such as stroke or Alzheimer’s Disease. People with dementia have serious problems with two or more brain functions. For example, they might have problems with speech and memory. Among other things, dementia can:
Risk FactorsResearchers have identified several risk factors associated with developing dementia. Some of these are:
Types of Dementia
Treating DementiaThe symptoms of dementia are treated with medications. While medications cannot cure dementia, they may improve or slow symptoms. Preventing DementiaAccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some actions may prevent or slow dementia in some people. For example, NIH cites studies that have shown that people who control their diabetes tend to score better on brain tests than those who do not. Other studies have found that people who often take part in brain-related activities, such as playing games, doing crossword puzzles, or playing a musical instrument can lower their risk of developing dementia. Lifestyle choices also may prevent or slow dementia in some people. It appears that staying physically active, socially connected and mentally engaged may lower the risk of developing dementia. |
Alzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's Disease is a brain illness marked by declining mental ability. Although symptoms may vary, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness and difficulty doing everyday activities. As the disease progresses, other symptoms can include:
In its advanced stage, Alzheimer's Disease causes a complete loss of:
While Alzheimer's Disease is caused by loss of or damage to brain cells, it is unknown why this happens. Risks include family history of the disease and age. Signs of the disease usually appear in middle-aged or older adults. Treating Alzheimer’s DiseaseCurrently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. However, there are four FDA-approved medications that are used to treat symptoms. These, combined with the right services and support, can make life better for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s. Preventing Alzheimer’s DiseaseThere are no known ways to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. |