Alzheimer’s Specialist in Tampa, FL
Nearly six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the number is expected to jump to 14 million by 2050. Stedman Clinical Trials in Tampa, Florida, is seeking individuals to participate in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials to learn more about the disease and find better treatment options.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain condition that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. Initially, the condition may affect memory, such as difficulty recalling conversations or recent events. However, over time, the loss of brain cells leads to dementia and causes changes in thinking, behavior, and social skills that impairs your ability to function independently.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s symptoms usually begin with alterations in memory. As the disease progresses, memory loss worsens, and other symptoms develop. Alzheimer’s disease symptoms may include:
- Forgetting conversations or appointments
- Misplacing items used frequently
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Having difficulty finding the right words
- Finding it difficult to multitask
- Making poor decisions
- Struggling to perform routine tasks (cooking, games)
- Alzheimer’s disease can also affect mood and behavior and lead to depression, anxiety, or delusional thinking.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
Researchers are still investigating what causes Alzheimer’s disease but theorize it may develop due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t fully understood, but researchers have found that a malfunction in your brain proteins are at the core of the condition and lead to the events that cause your brain cells to degenerate and die.
You may be at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, depending on your age, if it runs in your family, you have a history of head trauma, or you have poor sleep habits.
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
No single test can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. To formulate a diagnosis, your doctor reviews your symptoms and information provided by your friends or family on how your symptoms affect your daily life. Your doctor may also administer a test that assesses memory and thinking skills.
Diagnostic tests, such as blood work or an MRI, may be conducted to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease includes prescription medications that may help slow down the progression of the disease. Antidepressants are also sometimes included in the treatment plan.
How can a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease benefit me?
Because there are still so many unknowns surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, the research studies at Stedman Clinical Trials offer an opportunity for a better understanding of the disease. Some of the areas the team may be investigating include:
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Moderate Alzheimer’s disease
- Mild Alzheimer’s disease
- Memory loss
The studies may also include testing of new medications and treatment options for the disease, as well as these specific concerns.
To learn more about the current clinical trials for Alzheimer’s at Stedman Clinical Trials, call the office or request an appointment online.
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