Dementia

Changes in your memory or thinking can happen for many reasons. But changes that worsen or affect your everyday activities deserve a closer look. 

At WMCHealth, we take your memory concerns seriously. We work to identify what is changing, why it is happening, and what you can do next. 

Our specialists combine early evaluation, advanced diagnostic tools, and coordinated care. This approach can help you access treatment and support based on your individual needs.

What Causes Dementia? 

Different diseases and conditions can cause dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause. 

Other common causes include: 

• Vascular dementia 
• Lewy body dementia 
• Frontotemporal dementia 

Some conditions can also cause memory or thinking problems that may look like dementia. Your care team works to determine the underlying cause so your treatment matches your needs. 

Diagnosing Dementia at WMCHealth 

When you come to WMCHealth with memory or thinking concerns, you have a team helping you find answers. 

Your primary care doctor or geriatrician may begin the evaluation and stay involved throughout your care. When needed, they can connect you with specialists in neurology and other areas. 

Understanding What Has Changed 

Your team starts by learning what you have noticed and how those changes affect your usual routine. 

You may complete cognitive testing to evaluate areas such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. Your team will also consider your medical history, medications, sleep, mood, and other factors. 

This evaluation can help determine whether your changes suggest dementia or another condition. 

Testing Tailored to You 

If you need additional evaluation, your care team may recommend: 

• Blood tests 
• Brain MRI 
• Amyloid PET imaging 
• Neuropsychological testing 

WMCHealth offers Alzheimer’s blood tests that measure biomarkers, or biological signs associated with the disease. These tests can help identify changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms significantly affect daily life or even become noticeable. 

Your specialist considers these results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other evaluations. Additional testing may help clarify your diagnosis and whether certain treatments are appropriate. 

Identifying Changes Early 

Brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease can begin before symptoms become noticeable. Your evaluation may identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI). With MCI, you have noticeable changes in memory or thinking but can still manage most everyday activities. 

MCI does not always progress to dementia. For some people, however, it can be an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease or another condition. 

Finding these changes earlier gives your team a baseline for monitoring you over time. It may also help identify treatment opportunities sooner. 

Looking Beyond Alzheimer’s Disease 

Getting the right diagnosis means understanding more than whether you have dementia. 

WMCHealth brings together specialists whose expertise overlaps across different causes of cognitive decline. Your care may involve behavioral neurology, movement disorders, stroke care, neuropsychology, psychiatry, or other specialties. 

This collaboration is especially important when your symptoms could have more than one explanation. For example, vascular dementia can overlap with stroke-related conditions and Lewy body dementia can involve cognitive and movement symptoms. 

Psychiatry may also help your team determine whether behavioral changes come from dementia, a mental health condition, or both. 

Dementia Treatment 

Your treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms and how far the condition has progressed. 

Your care plan may include medication, ongoing monitoring, lifestyle changes, rehabilitation, or support for your everyday needs. 

Treatment for Early Alzheimer’s Disease 

If testing shows early Alzheimer’s disease, you may qualify for newer treatments that target amyloid proteins in the brain. 

These treatments are not a cure. For appropriate patients, they may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. 

WMCHealth specialists have experience evaluating patients for these therapies, starting treatment, and providing ongoing monitoring. 

Care That Grows With Your Needs 

Your needs may change as dementia progresses. Your WMCHealth team can continue working with you and your care partners over time. 

Depending on your needs, your care may involve: 

• Neurology 
• Psychiatry 
• Primary care 
• Neuropsychology 
• Older adult care 
• Physical therapy 
• Occupational therapy 

Your primary care and older adult care teams can also help coordinate care as your medical needs become more complex. 

WMCHealth works with the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit supporting Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. This connection provides additional resources for patients, families, and care partners.