The Cognitive Neurology Program at the Emory Brain Health Center focuses on diagnostic evaluation and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (i.e. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias). We are closely affiliated with the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (GADRC), one of 35 National Institute on Aging (NIA) designated centers working to improve diagnosis and treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our clinic patients and community are welcome to learn more about our research endeavors and consider participating.
Cognitive Neurology Program
Treating Patients with Dementia
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for brain disease that causes a change in memory and/or thinking skills severe enough to impair daily functioning (driving, shopping, balancing a checkbook, working, communicating, etc.). There are several types of dementia, with the most common being Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Most dementia causes gradual worsening of symptoms over many years due to progressive damage to brain cells or neurodegeneration. Dementia symptoms vary and may include memory or other cognitive problems, mood or behavioral changes, or changes in walking or speaking.
What Causes Dementia?
Research has shown that a build-up of proteins in the brain can interfere with how the brain functions as we age and can lead to dementia. For example, proteins called beta-amyloid and tau are associated with Alzheimer’s disease while the protein alpha-synuclein is associated with Lewy body dementia. Changes in brain blood vessels can lead to vascular dementia. Other things can also cause cognitive symptoms such as sleep and mood disorders or medication side effects. Screening for these is part of the evaluation for anyone with changes in memory or thinking.
In recent years, scientists and clinicians have made tremendous progress in diagnosing Alzheimer’s and related causes of dementia and finding new treatments. For this reason, early detection of cognitive impairment has become increasingly important. If you believe you are experiencing cognitive changes, please contact us to set up a cognitive screen as the first step to identify the cause and a path forward for management and treatment.
