Neurology
The neurology team at Main Line Health treats and manages conditions such as migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and more.
Alzheimer's Disease
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease, often referred to as "Alzheimer's," is the most common type of dementia. There are many different kinds of dementia but because Alzheimer's disease is the cause in 60 to 80 percent of cases of dementia, the words often get used interchangeably.
Causes of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's is a brain disease involving nerve cell destruction. The damage usually starts in the area of the brain that affects memory and learning. It is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse and worse, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, changes in behavior, and ultimately, physical changes such as problems with speaking, swallowing and walking.
Scientists believe that the changes to the brain are a result of excess "plaques" and "tangles." Plaques are sticky protein deposits that build up between the nerve cells of the brain. Tangles are strands of protein that collapse, forming "tangles," which then prevent cellular communication and vital nutrients from passing through. While everyone develops more tangles and plaques as part of the normal aging process, people with Alzheimer's develop many more of these problematic protein structures.
Who is at risk for Alzheimer's disease?
Research continues to reveal possible risk factors for Alzheimer disease. It is generally known, however, that a person's age, family history and genetic factors play a large part in determining risk for the disease. Most people who have Alzheimer's are over the age of 65; however, some people are diagnosed with "early onset" Alzheimer's in their 40s or 50s.
New studies are showing a connection between head injury (traumatic brain injury) and risk for Alzheimer disease. Other studies have found a strong connection between heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease, and Alzheimer's, because heart conditions affect blood flow and supply to the brain.
Keep in mind that symptoms of Alzheimer disease may overlap with or be similar to symptoms of other health conditions. Also know that memory loss, a common symptom of Alzheimer's, is also common to some people who are experiencing healthy aging. If you have concerns about Alzheimer disease, or you have noticed possible symptoms in yourself or a loved one, be sure to discuss it with your doctor and get more information about the disease.
Treatments
Neurology Medical Management
Physical Therapy
Each inpatient and outpatient physical therapy rehab is individually designed and administered by a licensed physical therapist who consistently guides you from that first visit all the way through recovery.
Speech Therapy
Our multidisciplinary approach to inpatient and outpatient speech therapy rehab includes expert diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders led by master’s-level, licensed and certified speech pathologists.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy and sensory integration helps patients who’ve experienced a debilitative injury or illness return to activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, eating, writing, shopping, toileting and driving.
Senior Health
Main Line Health experts provide specialized care so adults of all ages can maintain their independence and live life to the fullest.