The number of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of Major Neurocognitive Disorders (i.e., dementias) continues to rise by the day, as the risk of developing dementia also increases with advancing age. There are an estimated 6.9 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease as of 2024, with approximately 46,000 of those individuals living in New Mexico. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60-70% of all dementia diagnoses.
The medical team at Lovelace Neuroscience Center is committed to providing New Mexicans with the most up-to-date and evidence-based options to manage symptoms, extend life expectancy and improve quality of life.
When to seek help
Dr. Clara Roberts, Ph.D., a Clinical Neuropsychologist with Lovelace Neurosciences Center, outlines some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as losing/misplacing objects, forgetting important dates or events, not recognizing family or close friends
- Needing reminders or assistance with routine tasks, such as bathing/hygiene, preparing meals, bill paying, taking medications, making and keeping appointments
- Easily confused: unsure of the time/year/place, challenges with basic problem-solving, difficulties completing multi-step tasks
- Navigation: getting lost easily in familiar places or problems following directions
- Poor judgment: falling for scams, making inappropriate purchases, decisions that put personal safety at risk
- Changes in mood or personality: irritability, social withdrawal, suspiciousness/paranoia, losing interest in hobbies
- Communication challenges: difficulties staying on topic during conversations, problems coming up with words or people’s names, often using incorrect words, asking the same questions/repeating oneself multiple times within a short period of time
If you notice any of the warning signs in yourself or someone you know, schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Delaying evaluation and diagnosis can make managing the disease and planning for the future much more difficult.
Some changes in our thinking skills (i.e., cognition) and daily functioning are expected as we age, according to Dr. Roberts. “For many people, feeling a little more forgetful, easily distracted, or slower to complete tasks, is often just a symptom of getting older. It can be difficult to tell which changes are normal aging versus early dementia, without completing a neuropsychological evaluation,” she says. Neuropsychological testing compares individuals’ thinking skills to other people their own age, to determine which changes are a related to normal aging or possible dementia symptoms.
“There are also many medical conditions that can affect our thinking and may look similar dementia, such as depression/anxiety, thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, untreated sleep apnea or insomnia, high blood pressure, chronic pain, or poorly managed diabetes,” according to Dr. Roberts. “Getting an evaluation at the first sign of cognitive changes is important, because there are many treatable causes of cognitive decline. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, many people can significantly improve their cognition and overall well-being.”
Screenings, Treatment & Resources
- Neuropsychological testing by a Neuropsychologist can determine whether cognitive and/or emotional changes may indicate the onset of a neurologic or psychiatric disorder
- Neurological examination by a Neurologist can detect disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and/or nerves
- CT, MRI, EEG and other tests can help establish diagnosis and guide treatment for neurological disorders
- Provision of medication and treatment planning for patients with a neurological disorder
- Neurosurgical evaluation and surgery for neurological conditions that require surgical intervention
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies, typically cover neuropsychological testing. A referral may be required.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 505.727.2727.