Alzheimer’s disease begins with mild changes that seem like typical aging. As the condition progresses, memory lapses become more noticeable. You may realize you can’t remember a new fact you just learned.
You may feel overwhelmed and worried about what comes next. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Turn to the comforting Emory cognitive neurology team. Our Alzheimer’s experts provide exceptional support and treatments tailored to your unique needs.
Emory Healthcare created a community to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Your journey is easier as you partner with a team of nationally recognized Alzheimer’s experts in one convenient location.
Our cognitive neurology team combines personalized attention with today’s most innovative Alzheimer’s treatments. Emory Healthcare participates in clinical trials and studies at Emory University Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. This means you have access to the latest treatments.
Alzheimer’s disease causes memory loss and changes in your ability to think, talk and act. This brain illness is the most common type of dementia.
Alzheimer’s develops when clusters of proteins accumulate in and around the neurons in your brain. Over time, the disease progresses as the clusters enlarge and cause more brain cell damage.
No one can predict how fast Alzheimer’s will progress in each person. However, today’s advanced medications help slow the brain changes.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association or alzheimers.gov.
Our state partner, Georgia Memory Net, also sponsors several educational and support programs. You can learn more about these programs at the Georgia Memory Net site.
The earliest Alzheimer’s symptom is forgetting information you recently learned (short-term memory loss). Other symptoms in each stage include:
In the late stage, people with Alzheimer’s disease need help with daily activities. You or your loved one may be unable to eat, bathe, get dressed or cook. Walking, sitting upright and swallowing become difficult. You also respond less to others, may not communicate and lose awareness of their surroundings.
Emory Healthcare offers a network of support and education to help you and your family navigate this journey.
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis begins with a discussion. Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, when they started and how they impact your daily life.
Because Alzheimer’s disease affects your memory, your doctor will also talk with someone who knows you well. You may bring a partner, family member or friend with you. They often notice changes you’re unaware of, or they can add helpful details.
The next step is a physical and neurological exam. Your doctor also does a quick memory test. Depending on your results, we may order additional testing, such as:
We perform tests to evaluate your thinking and memory. In addition to helping diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, these tests show changes over time.
This in-depth evaluation measures every aspect of the brain’s abilities, including concentration, problem-solving, brain processing speed and visual and sensory perceptions.
A CT scan or MRI shows brain changes affecting memory and thinking. These diagnostic images may reveal changes in brain size, tumors or evidence of a stroke.
Your doctor may order a PET scan. PET scans reveal the build-up of proteins, the amount of glucose (sugar) and how your brain uses energy.
Blood tests identify many possible health conditions associated with thinking and memory problems. Your test may show problems with thyroid, vitamin B12, blood counts or other chemistry abnormalities. There are also blood tests available to test for Alzheimer's disease.
During a lumbar puncture, we draw a sample of the fluid circulating through your spine. Since the same fluid flows through your brain, a sample may reveal evidence of the proteins in the brain responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.
We offer forward-thinking treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
Create a MyChart account to schedule online.
For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.
For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.
Create a MyChart account to schedule online.
For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.
For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.
