September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, which is a progressive condition where the brain loses nerve cells causing memory loss and impairment in other areas of cognition, such as the ability to perform activities of daily living (finances, chores, drive, etc). There is an estimated 30 million people worldwide with Alzheimer’s disease. The underlying causes are not fully understood, but researchers have identified genes associated with AD, as well as others that clearly increase the risk of development.

Diagnosis is often very difficult. Definite diagnosis is often only confirmed by brain biopsy. Interestingly, in the past one to two years, significant advances in diagnosis have been found or approved. One is, by performing a lumbar puncture, or “spinal tap” (visit Colonial Neurology and click: “Lumbar Puncture Test Information”), which we at Colonial Neurology do on a routine basis, and sending fluid obtained for special testing. This fluid can show changes in certain proteins many years before symptoms even begin. It is not part of routine screening or testing though. There also are newly approved brain scanning techniques that have been shown to be very helpful in diagnosing AD. 

Diagnosing is one thing, but what is even more important is the ability to treat. Treatments are often of mild help. There have been several studies suggesting whether one has “normal aging”, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia, progression from one stage to another can be significantly slowed with one easy to tolerate treatment regimen – cardiovascular EXERCISE, such as brisk walking, jogging, or using an arm bike in those with limited mobility! There are pharmaceutical medications and foods considered approved treatments, but in the next 5-10 years, we expect a true breakthrough in treatment and prevention! See your doctor today if you’re concerned about your memory or about your risk for Alzheimer’s disease! And be fit, as exercise is the best prescription to prevent Alzheimer’s!  

Article Written By: 

John Baker, MD

Colonial Neurology

JUNE IS MIGRAINE AWARENESS MONTH

A migraine headache is characterized by a throbbing or pulsating painful sensation in the head, often but not always one sided, with associated sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, and sometimes preceding changes in vision.

Migraines affect more than 10% of people worldwide, with about three times more women affected than men. A migraine headache can be very disabling for a person to have. The underlying problems with migraine type headaches are inflammation AND dilation of blood vessels surrounding, and in the brain. There are many triggers, such as foods, caffeine withdrawal, hormone changes (menstruation), sleep deprivation, and even stress.

Migraine headaches are one of the leading causes of missed work days, impaired job productivity, and poor school/work performance. Headaches can contribute to memory trouble, depression and anxiety, and poor sleep among other things.

There are MANY treatments available for migraine sufferers. There are preventative medications (such as Topamax or Inderal), abortive/acute treatments (such as Imitrexor Cambia), and non-medication based treatments (biofeedback, exercise). There is even evidence that Botox injections can help treat chronic migraines, for those who have 16 or more migraine “headache days” per month.

If you, or someone you know suffers from migraine headaches, and current treatments do not allow you to return to normal function (work, school, normal activities) within an hour or so, please talk to your physician. Anyone suffering with “Chronic” migraines should ask your physician about seeing a neurologist today!

Posted by: 

John Baker, MD