Alzheimer's Disease

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disorder of the brain, meaning it gets worse over time. It is the most common cause of dementia, or memory loss.

What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?

In addition to memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease can also cause:

Trouble with language
Poor judgment
Confusion
Forgetfulness
Loss of concentration
Restlessness
Mood swings

Over time, ranging from five to twenty years, AD eventually destroys cognition, personality, and the overall ability to function.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown. It most commonly affects people over 65 and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age.

In patients with AD, there is an abnormal build of two different proteins in the brain: Amyloid and Tau. The Amyloid protein builds up outside the brain cell and creates Amyloid plaques. The Tau protein builds up inside the brain cell and creates neurofibrillary tangles.

It is not clear if these proteins cause the disease, but as these proteins build up in the brain, the brain cells malfunction and eventually die. When brain cells die, this leads to atrophy, or shrinkage of the brain.

Navigating Memory and Cognitive Health: A Guide for Families Facing Dementia

When families gather, it can be a chance to notice changes in aging loved ones, including potential memory issues. While some cognitive decline—such as occasional word-finding difficulties or minor memory lapses—is a normal part of aging, the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are much different.

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UR Medicine's Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease

Our team includes behavioral neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, family and marriage therapists, neuropalliative care providers, neurogeneticists and social workers. We work collaboratively to offer our patients the most up-to-date treatment options in a supportive environment.

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed using:

Blood tests
Amyloid PET scans
Lumbar puncture

There is also genetic testing that can show if Alzheimer’s disease may show up in other family members, but in most cases the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not genetic.

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated?

There is no known cure for AD, but medications and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms.

Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab) are two medications that have recently been shown to slow the progression of the disease. While this is an exciting step forward in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, this medication is not always the appropriate treatment. Other medications may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression.

Lifestyle modifications including increasing physical, mental and social activity as well as keeping a heart healthy diet may also help individuals with AD.

What Sets Us Apart?

We offer the most complete and advanced care in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Most importantly, we establish relationships with our patients. We treat you as a person, not a disease. We listen to you, communicate with you, and take the time to understand the consequences your illness imposes on your daily life.

Understanding your needs, values, and priorities is part of how we care for you. The AD-CARE program at the University of Rochester Medical Center conducts clinical studies around Alzheimer’s disease.