Alzheimer’s

More than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, a common cause of dementia. At GET WELLness SOON in Benton, Tennessee, experienced family nurse practitioner Sally Moss, MSN, RN, APN, FNP-C,  diagnoses and helps manage this condition to make it easier on patients and their caregivers. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today. Home visits are also available.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease and type of dementia that affects some older adults. It’s characterized by forgetfulness and an eventual decreased ability for self-care. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Its exact cause isn’t fully clear, and there’s no cure. However, effective Alzheimer’s disease management helps optimize quality of life in patients with the disease. 

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Memory loss
• Progressive forgetfulness
• Poor diet or exercise habits
• Frequent infections
• Reduced brain function
• Forgetting names, people, or places 
• Repeating the same words or phrases
• Misplacing items
• Getting lost in familiar areas
• Difficulty finding the right words 
• Poor judgement
• Depression 
• Social withdrawal
• Mood swings
• Anger
• Wandering
• Delusions

Over time, people with Alzheimer’s disease typically need someone to help care for them to ensure they eat nutritious foods, stay active, and complete simple activities of daily living (getting dressed, going to the bathroom, brushing their teeth and hair, etc.).

What are the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease risk factors include:

• Family history of Alzheimer’s disease
• Brain changes
• Environmental factors
• Aging
• Smoking
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Previous head injury
• Heavy alcohol use
• Air pollution
• Poor sleep
• Lack of exercise
• Poor nutrition
• Poorly managed diabetes 
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hearing loss 
• Untreated vision loss
• Being female

Women are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease because they often live longer than men. Adopting healthy habits and participating in social and mind-stimulating activities regularly may reduce the risk (or progression) of Alzheimer’s disease, but research is ongoing. 

How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?

Sally helps diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by discussing your (or your family member’s) medical history, symptoms, medications, lifestyle habits, and more. She completes physical and neurological exams and a dementia evaluation by asking questions. Sally might order blood testing, imaging procedures, or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out additional concerns. 

How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?

Treating Alzheimer’s disease at GET WELLness SOON may consist of taking medications, trying dietary supplements, attending therapy, or making lifestyle changes — such as diet, sleep, and exercise modifications. 

Sally also offers support groups and comprehensive primary care at the GET WELLness SOON office or via home visits. Follow up with her to ensure top-quality care and long-term Alzheimer’s disease management. Contact the GET WELLness SOON office anytime with concerns or questions.

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but effectively managing the disease benefits from careful planning and coordination with the experts at GET WELLness SOON. 

Schedule an in-office or home-visit for an Alzheimer’s or dementia evaluation at GET WELLness SOON by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.