Dementia Specialist
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Neuroclinics
Romer Mosquera, M.D.
Board Certified Neurologist & Clinical Neurophysiologist located in Miami, FL
If you’re concerned about your own memory lapses or a family member who gets lost in familiar places or routinely loses their possession, it’s important to get an early evaluation. Board-certified neurologist Romer Mosquera, MD, at Neuroclinics in Miami, Florida, is an expert in helping patients with dementia. Dr. Mosquera provides comprehensive and compassionate care that can slow your memory loss. If you have questions about dementia, call the office today or book an appointment online.
Dementia Q & A
What are the different types of dementia?
Dementia generally refers to memory loss together with a decline in language and thinking abilities. As dementia gets worse, these changes interfere with your ability to do your daily activities, from dressing to shopping or paying bills.
The four main kinds of progressive dementia are:
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease develops when proteins called beta amyloids and taus build up around and inside your nerves. These proteins accumulate over time, destroying more nerves and leading to the disease getting worse.
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia arises from an accumulation of proteins called Lewy bodies. The effects are very similar to Parkinson’s dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia
With this type of dementia, proteins initially build up in a different part of the brain than Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. As a result, your early symptoms are different from the other dementias.
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia happens when blood flow to your brain is blocked.
What symptoms develop if I have dementia?
If you have dementia, you experience symptoms like:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty communicating
- Having a hard time solving problems
- Changes in personality and behavior
Memory loss is usually the earliest sign of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. You’re more likely to notice difficulty concentrating in the early stages of vascular dementia.
By comparison, personality and behavioral changes are the first sign of frontotemporal dementia. For example, a person with frontotemporal dementia can become more judgmental, apathetic, or lose inhibitions.
How are progressive dementias treated?
Your provider at Neuroclinics does a physical exam, neurological testing, and a mental status exam. After verifying that you have dementia and determining if you have Alzheimer’s, they work with you to create a customized treatment plan.
Your provider can prescribe one of several Alzheimer’s medications that improve your memory loss, confusion, and difficulty thinking. Some medicines slow down the progression of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Your provider can recommend behavioral therapy to help with challenges like difficulty sleeping and aggression. Psychotherapy often makes a big difference without the potential side effects of medications.
If you have vascular dementia, you’ll need a specialist to clear the blockages in your blood vessels. Treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol can slow down the progression.
If you notice changes in memory, don’t wait to seek treatment. Call Neuroclinics today or book an appointment online.
