What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), also called Dementia Alzheimer's Type (DAT) is a progressive gradual decline in cognitive (ability to think and remember) as well as physical function. It is irreversible and there is no cure. The word "dementia" is a general term that not only includes Alzheimer's disease, but also vascular dementia and mixed dementia (includes both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia). Other diseases may mimic dementia and need to be fully evaluated, as some dementias are reversible.

Alzheimer's disease is rare before 60 years of age, but becomes more prevalent as people age. It has been estimated that 10% of the people age 65 have Alzheimer's disease and that as many as 47% of the people age 85 have AD.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of AD can only be confirmed by a brain biopsy (which is rarely preformed) or after death by a microscopic examination of the brain tissues. Clinicians can make a diagnosis of AD (other than by biopsy or after death) with about 80% accuracy. An accurate diagnosis of AD includes extensive medical history from a family member, neurological examination and mental status examination, Head CT or MRI, and blood tests to exclude any metabolic or systemic diseases. No specific lab test is currently available to diagnosis AD. Diagnosis of AD is one of exclusion, specifically to identify other treatable illnesses and thusly improve the memory. Dementia is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized in its early stages, and this failure can result in inappropriate treatment and needless distress. Appropriate diagnosis may allow both the patient and family to plan for the future.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease

1.  Memory Loss
2.  Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3.  Problems with language
4.  Disorientation to time and place
5.  Poor or decreased judgment
6.  Problems with abstract thinking
7.  Misplacing things
8.  Changes in mood or behavior
9.  Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative

Mission Statement

We are a team of professionals committed to quality care for the aging in the areas of treatment, research, education, and consultation, with a focus in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Our group foundation is built on integrity, quality, teamwork, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Directions

5900 Core Rd. Suite 203
North Charleston, South Carolina 29406-6076
Phone: (843) 740-1592
Fax: (843) 740-6113

From Columbia:
Interstate 26 (I-26) East to exit 211A (West Aviation), turn Left at the light onto Core Rd. We are ~1/2 mile down Core Rd. on the left in the Bank of America Building on the 2nd floor, Rm. 203.

From Charleston:
Interstate 26 (I-26) West to exit 211 A (West Aviation), turn left at the light onto Core Rd. We are located ~1/2 mile down Core Rd. on the left, in the Bank of America Building on the 2nd floor, Rm.203.

From Savannah:
Interstate 95 (I-95) North to Highway 17 North at South Pointe to Charleston. Take Interstate 526 East, then exit onto Interstate 26 (I-26) West toward Columbia to exit 211A (West Aviation), turn left at the light onto Core Rd. We are located ~1/2 mile down Core Rd. on the left, in the Bank of America Building on the 2nd floor, Rm. 203.

From Myrtle Beach:
Highway 17 South to Interstate 526 toward Savannah, then exit onto Interstate 26 West (I-26) toward Columbia, take exit 211A (West Aviation), turn left at the light onto Core Dr. We are located ~1/2 mile down Core Rd. on the left, in the Bank of America Building on the 2nd floor, Rm. 203.