Care for Alzheimer’s Disease at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease at University of Colorado Hospital ?
The Neurobehavior Clinic at University of Colorado Hospital has operated continuously since 1987 to provide consultative services for patients with a wide range of cognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. This clinic is unique in the region as a resource for subspecialty expertise in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects regions of the brain that control memory, thoughts, language and emotion. The disease begins slowly and causes forgetfulness at first, but over time causes severe brain damage and death.
Alzheimer’s disease can cause the following symptoms:
- Memory loss
- Language dysfunction
- Changes in behavior
- Impaired judgment
- Hallucinations
Scientists do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but increasing age is the most important risk factor. A family history of the illness may also increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5 million adults in the U.S. Most people diagnosed with the disease are over the age of 65. Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death in people 65 and older.
If you have concerns about your own memory loss or behavioral changes, or about a loved one with these problems, talk to a doctor. It is important for your doctor to conduct a comprehensive exam to accurately diagnose the cause of memory loss and related problems. Some memory loss associated with aging is normal and is probably not a cause for concern. Certain medications or depression can also cause memory loss. But when memory loss is not related to these factors and begins to affect daily living, the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease should be considered.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Featured Doctors
Dr. Christopher M. Filley is a professor of neurology and psychiatry, and director of the behavioral neurology section at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. A nationally and internationally recognized authority in behavioral neurology, he has extensive clinical experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. C. Alan Anderson is widely published and is fellowship trained in behavioral neurology and cerebrovascular disease.
Dr. Victoria S. Pelak is exploring new methods to diagnose and track cortical visual dysfunction in early Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. David B. Arciniegas directs the Neuropsychiatry Service and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and is a frequent lecturer locally and nationally on a range of neuropsychiatry topics.
Dr. Robert Schwartz is director of the Center on Aging at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. His current research is on elderly cognition, nutrition and exercise.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Research on Alzheimer’s disease at University of Colorado Hospital is diverse, involving both clinical and basic neuroscience. Clinical studies are under way on the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease using new neuroimaging techniques. Studies are also being performed on the treatment of memory loss with the diabetes medication pioglitazone.
Technology and Alzheimer’s Disease
University of Colorado Hospital researchers are investigating functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning to improve the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible.