About Alzheimer’s & Related Diseases

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological illness that causes:

memory loss that worsens over time
a decline in mental abilities – such as problem-solving and comprehension
behavioral changes – such as mood swings and depression
decrease in ability to do usual activities

It is NOT a part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s is a major illness that causes the afflicted person to decline slowly over a long period of time.

People with Alzheimer’s can live with the disease from 6 to 20 years.

Can Alzheimer’s disease be cured?

At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, medications and other therapies are available to reduce symptoms, improve the patient’s functioning and quality of life, and delay the progression of the disease.

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

We now understand that Alzheimers disease is caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain over many years. These abnormal proteins interfere with communication between nerve cells and eventually cause the nerve cells to die.

If it’s not Alzheimer’s disease, what could it be?

Not all memory disorders are Alzheimer’s disease. Other causes of memory loss and dementia include:

Parkinson’s Disease
Lewy body Disease
Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD)
Stroke & Vascular Dementia
Metabolic Abnormalities
Infections
Medications (prescribed & over the counter)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Depression

Some of the above causes of memory loss can be improved or cured.

How We Help

If a family member or friend has memory problems, the first step is to set up an evaluation at the Rancho Los Amigos/USC California Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Many memory disorders are caused by factors other than Alzheimer’s disease—and some can even be improved or cured. Accurate diagnosis and assessment are the first step to creating a plan of action to support your loved one – and you.

Call us at (562) 385-8130 to set up a comprehensive evaluation.

Post Evaluation Services for Family Members & Caregivers

Alzheimer’s or a related memory disease can affect any family. Rancho Los Amigos-USC can help.

In addition to comprehensive patient services, we offer support for family members and caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. We understand the emotional, economic, legal, and practical challenges that come with caring for someone with
dementia.

Our services for family members and caregivers include: