Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor who initially identified changes in the brain that now are known to be characteristics of AD. Specifically, he noticed abnormalities in some brain cells, including clumps of protein (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered signs of AD. Scientists also have found other brain changes in people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Nerve cells die in areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities, and connections between nerve cells are disrupted. There also are lower levels of some of the chemicals in the brain that carry messages back and forth between nerve cells. AD may impair thinking and memory by disrupting these messages. New medications have been developed to address some of these chemical changes, which may slow the progression of AD. The course the disease takes and how fast changes occur vary from person to person. However, on average, Alzheimers Disease patients live from 8 to 10 years after they are diagnosed, though the disease can last for as many as 20 years.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get AD, it is much less common. About 5 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. It is important to note, however, that AD is not a normal part of aging.

Neuropsychological testing is considered by many to be the gold-standard diagnostic assessment tool for determining whether an individual may be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

In vascular dementia, a series of tiny strokes or changes in the brain's blood supply may result in the death of brain tissue. On occasion, symptoms can become apparent suddenly, which may reflect a larger-scale stroke. However, for many who develop vascular dementia, the tiny blockages of blood that occur in vascular dementia may go unnoticed until eventually subtle changes in cognition, mood and/or behavior become evident. The location in the brain where the small strokes occur determines the seriousness of the problem and the specific symptoms and cognitive difficulties that arise. For many people with vascular dementia, the causes are related to vascular conditions that may be treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiac conditions. One of the most important reasons for receiving medical care and for following treatment recommendations for these conditions is to prevent strokes.

• Multi-Infarct Dementia (Vascular Dementia)
• Frontotemporal Dementia

During the past several years, scientists have focused on a type of memory change called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is not considered a form of dementia but may be an early indicator of AD. MCI is different from both Alzheimer’s Disease and normal age-related memory change. People with MCI have ongoing memory problems but do not have other losses like confusion, attention problems, difficulty with language or prominent difficulties with activities of daily living. Many of these individuals will not demonstrate a prominent progression of difficulties. However, a significant percentage of individuals diagnosed with MCI will eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease. Earlier identification and neuropsychological testing with individuals with memory problems has led to an increased awareness of MCI. Many research studies are underway to learn more about MCI and the various courses that it can take.

Additional information about Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and other Memory Disorders is available at:

www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers

www.alz.org

Commonwealth Psychology Associates offers neuropsychological testing for Alzheimers Disease to people living in and around the greater Boston area, including the surrounding Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire communities.

Our counseling center is conveniently located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, less than 20 minutes from Newton, Wellesley, Cambridge and other major Massachusetts suburbs and just minutes away from our testing facilities. Please view our directions pages for information on public transportation and driving directions to our counseling center or testing facility.