# Alzheimer’s Disease

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/neurology-center/alzheimers-disease/
- Published: 2023-06-14T14:43:34-04:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

Alzheimer’s Disease

# Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment in South Carolina

## Neurologists in South Carolina

## **What is Alzheimer’s Disease?**

Alzheimer’s is an illness that affects the brain and gets worse over time. It is
marked by changes in the brain that cause certain proteins to build up.

Alzheimer’s disease makes the brain get smaller and kills off brain cells over time.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is a slow loss of
memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills. These changes affect how well a person
can do things.

## **Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms**

Alzheimer’s disease is most often marked by a lack of memory. One of the first signs
is having trouble remembering recent talks or events. But as the disease gets worse,
memory gets worse and other symptoms show up.

At first, a person with the disease may notice that they are having trouble remembering
things and thinking clearly. As the problems get worse, a family member or friend
may become more aware of them.

Changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s lead to more trouble with:

 * Memory
 * Thinking and reasoning
 * Making decisions and judgments
 * Planning and doing certain tasks
 * Changes in personality and behavior

## **Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment**

There are many different treatment paths that will depend on each patient’s unique
situation including their age, symptoms, lifestyle, and more. Here are some of the
many treatment options for Alzheimer’s Disease:

 * **Medications –** Medicines specifically for this condition can help with memory
   symptoms and other cognitive changes
 * **Creating a safe and supportive atmosphere –** Changing to meet the needs of
   a person with Alzheimer’s is an important part of any treatment plan. Set up 
   and stick to routines, and do less that requires the patient to remember things.
   Taking these steps can make things a lot easier and less stressful
 * **Exercise –** Regular exercise should be part of any treatment plan. A daily
   walk, for example, can help boost your happiness and keep your joints, muscles,
   and heart healthy. Exercise also helps people sleep well and keeps them from 
   getting constipated
 * **Nutrition –** Alzheimer’s patients might forget to eat, lose interest in food,
   or not eat healthy foods. They may also forget to drink enough, which can leave
   them dehydrated and unable to go to the bathroom
 * **Social activities –** Social activities can help keep skills and abilities 
   in good shape. They also help with well-being in general. Do things that are 
   both important and fun, like listening to music or dancing, reading or listening
   to books, gardening, and more

## **Alzheimer’s Disease Care in South Carolina**

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call us at Carolina
Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates and we will do what it takes to get you on
a treatment plan that works for you. [Set up an appointment](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/)
at any of our convenient locations with one of our [Neurologists](https://carolinaona.com/neurology-center/).