Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. As it progresses, it can significantly impact the performance of simple day-to-day tasks. It is the most common form of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease impacts millions each year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5.8 million people were living with the disease in 2020. That number is expected to double by the year 2060.

Alzheimer’s and dementia: Who is at risk?

According to the CDC, Hispanics and African Americans in the United States are most at risk and will see the largest increase of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias from now to 2060. The National Institute on Aging notes most people with Alzheimer’s have late-onset, displaying symptoms in their mid-60s or later. Early onset of the disease is rare but can start in someone’s 30s.

Keys to reducing the risk of Alzheimer's include practicing a preventative lifestyle and engaging in intellectually challenging leisure activities to exercise the brain. Studies show people who socialize regularly and receive support from their peers and family have a decreased risk of dementia.

Certain cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure are also associated with a higher risk of dementia. Getting these conditions under control could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Alzheimer's and dementia: Symptoms

Problems with memory are the first indicators of cognitive decline related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Symptoms may vary between individuals, and may include:

• Trouble coming up with words
• Vision and spatial issues
• Impaired reasoning or judgement
• Taking more time to complete daily tasks
• Repeating questions
• Wandering or getting lost
• Misplacing or losing things
• Mood or personality changes
• Increased anxiety, anger or aggression

Why choose UF Health Jacksonville?

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program at UF Health Jacksonville provides leading-edge treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

• The center is staffed by faculty neurologists and nurse-practitioners of the University of Florida Department of Neurology – Jacksonville. Physicians, pharmacists and nurses provide patients with medication management and education.

• Our team of multidisciplinary experts includes faculty neurologists and nurse practitioners from the University of Florida Department of Neurology, who work closely with patients and family members to ensure a high standard of care.
• Our physicians, pharmacists and nurses provide patients with excellent medication management and education, and a neuropsychologist is available for a thorough cognitive evaluation.
• To provide additional support, a full-time social worker assists with individualized patient and family needs.

With a focus on working together for the best possible outcomes for our patients, the team also collaborates with researchers from the University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute to take advantage of the most advanced interventions and therapies.

Alzheimer's and dementia: Our expertise

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program at UF Health Jacksonville provides:

• Sophisticated methods for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Detailed neuropsychological evaluation
• State-of-the-art neurodiagnostic imaging
• Expert medication management
• Physical and exercise therapies designed to increase patient functionality
• Patient psychological counseling
• Supportive educational programs
• The latest clinical research findings