What is Alzheimer

Last updated 11 months ago

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of progressive dementia that results in the destruction of brain cells over time. Although the cause of this disease is not known, medical scientists believe that deposits of beta amyloid plaques and the presence neurofibrillary tangles lead to Alzheimer’s symptoms. In the beginning, the signs of this disease are typically limited to mild memory lapses. At Southern Hills Hospital, we feel privileged to offer the older adults in our community the services of our RISE Behavioral Health Center. Introduced earlier this year, the RISE program focuses on effectively managing and treating the mental health needs of residents in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Read on to learn about the variety of symptoms patients can experience as dementia progresses.

Difficulty remembering the locations of familiar places, the names of friends and loved ones, how to perform simple tasks, the time of day, or how to do simple arithmetic
Difficulty concentrating on a single task for extended periods of time or problems completing spoken sentences due to forgotten words
Getting lost in familiar places or having trouble finding his or her way in a place he or she has lived for a long period of time
Experiencing dramatic mood swings, becoming abnormally withdrawn, or having changes in personality
Losing coordination, balance, or mobility

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. There are, however, various FDA-approved medications that are used to slow the progression of the disease or manage the symptoms. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease must often modify their lifestyle to ensure optimal quality of life and safety. Light exercise, family support, and a calm environment can all help to manage the disease and promote overall health and wellness.

At Southern Hills Hospital, our specialists are trained to provide assistance and support for those with anxiety disorders, psychoses, depression, dementia, and more. Contact our staff today at (702) 880-2700 for more information about RISE.