Memory Disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease

We treat all types of memory disorders at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Lewy body disease and cognitive problems caused by Parkinson’s disease
• Frontotemporal degeneration (frontotemporal dementia)
• Cognitive problems caused by multiple strokes or cerebrovascular disease (vascular dementia)
• Our team can also help treat aggressive dementia or any behavioral problems that may be caused by a memory disorder.

First, patients meet with a neurologist who specializes in memory disorders. This exam usually involves the patient as well as a spouse, family member or caregiver.

During the exam, the neurologist will ask about symptoms, personal health history and family health history. The neurologist will also conduct some general tests for motor skills, sensory function, gait and balance. We’ll focus on learning more about the patient’s mental status with memory testing, a speech and language evaluation and checking for perceptual issues. In most cases, a neuropsychologist will see the patient for more detailed cognitive testing.

We’ll also ask the patient to undergo testing to look for areas of brain atrophy (or deterioration), which is found in degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll evaluate for other conditions, such as silent stroke disease, that may be causing cognitive problems. These tests can include:

• MRI with neuro-quantification
• High-resolution CT scan
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Blood tests
• Spinal fluid exams
• PET scan

Marcus Neuroscience Institute is one of the only institutes in the region that has access to MRI with neuro-quantification. This type of MRI uses a computer to give a detailed analysis of the brain and whether there has been any brain tissue loss. Our team also includes three neurologists who have received neuroimaging certification from the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS), which means they are trained in reading these advanced test results.

We treat most memory disorders with oral medicine. The type of treatment and dosage depends on the patient’s diagnosis and symptoms. We may also recommend physical, occupational or speech therapy with our rehabilitation program.

Treatment plans may include cognitive programs or brain games. These programs, which the patient can often play on a home computer, can help improve symptoms and slow down the progression of a memory disorder.

Patients may also receive exercise recommendations. Research has shown that exercise can help the brain repair lost or damaged tissue.

In addition to these current treatments, our team is eagerly awaiting the approval for new infusion treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Once these treatments are FDA approved, we plan to offer them in an in-house infusion center at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

When you come to Marcus Neuroscience Institute for memory disorder or Alzheimer’s disease treatment, you can expect:

• Compassionate care from a team that understands the challenges of living with a memory disorder
• The region’s experts in memory disorders, including neurologists who are certified in neuroimaging
• Advanced diagnostic tools that can help us provide a more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan

We understand that you may have some concerns about family members and children being at-risk for developing a memory disorder. Most types of memory disorders are not hereditary, and only rare forms of dementia can be passed on to children. However, our team can provide counseling about any possible genetic risk.

Through our partnership with Florida Atlantic University’s Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, we provide a variety of support programs, including:

• Support groups
• Adult daycare
• Neuropsychological testing
• Counseling
• Gentle chair yoga

Marcus Neuroscience Institute partners with Florida Atlantic University’s Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center to provide driving evaluations for memory disorder patients. This evaluation includes a written test as well as a driving test to determine if a patient can drive safely.