Alzheimer’s Disease

Overview on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts brain function over time. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. The disease slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

The main cause is the abnormal buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain that damage and eventually kill nerve cells. This disrupts communication between nerve cells and leads to loss of connections between different brain regions responsible for memory, reasoning, planning, and behaviour.

Symptoms typically emerge slowly and worsen over a number of years. In the early stages, symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. In later stages, individuals may lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. They may also experience changes in mood and behaviour.

Treatment approaches focus on symptom management, cognitive support, and maintaining independence through medical interventions, therapeutic strategies, and holistic care methods.

Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease

At Buddhi Clinic, we recognise the nature and seriousness of Alzheimer’s disease and its multifaceted origins. Our comprehensive approach to Alzheimer’s disease treatment in Chennai addresses the critical underlying causes that contribute to this complex neurological condition.

Genetic Predisposition

Certain genetic mutations can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Our Alzheimer’s disease treatment in Chennai includes advanced genetic testing to identify potential risk factors.

Age and Neurodegeneration

As individuals age, brain cells gradually lose their ability to communicate effectively. Our Alzheimer’s disease treatment in Chennai focuses on mitigating these age-related neurological changes.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices lead to hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and poor diet, which is crucial in Alzheimer’s. Our Alzheimer’s disease treatment in Chennai provides holistic interventions to address these environmental influences.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Previous head injuries can substantially increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Our Alzheimer’s disease treatment in Chennai includes comprehensive neurological assessments to understand potential injury-related risks.

Concerned about Alzheimer’s risk factors?

Book a memory screening with our specialists for early detection and preventive care.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, language problems, and impulsive or unpredictable behavior

As the symptoms worsen, it becomes harder for people to remember recent events, to reason, and to recognize people they know. Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may need full-time assistance

Early-Stage Symptoms

Middle-Stage Symptoms

Late-Stage Symptoms

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease. If a doctor suspects the presence of the condition, they will enquire about the person, their family, or caregivers on their symptoms, experiences, and medical history. At Buddhi Clinic, our comprehensive diagnostic process includes:

Brain Imaging

Advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans help rule out other conditions like stroke, tumors, or brain trauma.

Electrophysiology

Prolonged EEG allows for the detection of transient or intermittent brain activity patterns that may not be captured by a standard, shorter EEG recording, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the patient’s neurological status over time.

Clinical Evaluation

We begin with a detailed medical and family history to assess risk factors and symptom onset. We also prescribe evaluation for co-morbidities (associated conditions) which will be required in all instances.

Cognitive Testing

Cognitive assessments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and advanced neuropsychological evaluations (e.g., the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale and CNS Vitals digitized cognitive assessment), ACE / MoCA, NPI, NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery or LOBAR Function Test help determine the severity of cognitive impairment.

Blood Marker Testing

A detailed general health assessment including various blood tests to rule out conditions like hypothyroidism, vit B12 deficiency, anemia, chronic infections, inflammations, cancers, brain tumours all of which can masquerade as Alzheimer’s

Genetic Testing

For individuals with a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s, genetic testing can identify mutations linked to the disease.

Neurological Function Tests

We use tools like the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), EASI, WHODAS & WHOQOL to grade Disability levels and to assess behavioral changes, such as agitation or depression, providing insights into the patient’s emotional and psychological state.

Multifaceted Impact of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s has profound impacts on cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.

Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Disease at Buddhi Clinic

As pioneers and innovators in neuropsychiatry and integrative medicine, Buddhi Clinic today offers a range of treatments for the brain, mind and body- 18 in total, 9 of which are new neurotechnologies. Many of these hold great promise as non-pharmacological approaches to dementia care.

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS)

tDCS + Normobaric Oxygen Therapy: This innovative treatment stimulates brain function and enhances oxygen supply, potentially improving cognitive outcomes.
qEEG Neurofeedback: An advanced technology that enables improvement in attention, memory and reduction in anxiety, aggression, and obsessive and addictive behaviours, by engaging the patient in focussed activity that is guided by the patient’s own brain activity as measured in the qEEG.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A cutting-edge technique that stimulates nerve cells in the brain.
TES: Transcranial Electrical Stimulation incorporating "direct current” - tDCS, “alternating current” - tACS, and "random noise” tRNS. For dementia care we offer both “mood and behaviour management” protocols and “cognitive enhancement” protocols, the latter being combined with normobaric oxygen another proven treatment.
rTMS: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which also has protocols for attention and cognitive enhancement and indeed for behavioural dysfunction - depression, anxiety, psychotic symptoms, aggression, obsessive compulsive behaviours, all of which can manifest as part of the behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPS) of dementia. For Alzheimer’s Diseases, rTMS protocol targeting the Precuneus, shown a novel treatment methods as this region is an essential part of a functional brain system known as the default mode network. The precuneus is known to be involved in the earliest pathological changes associated with AD

Medical Management

Medications: Following your consultation, our doctors will prescribe medications tailored to your specific needs.
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT): Tailored exercises stimulate brain function and delay cognitive decline.
Psychiatric Care: We address co-occurring psychiatric symptoms like depression, anxiety, and agitation with counselling and medication.
Mind Lab: Psychological techniques such as cognitive retraining, reminiscence therapy, validation therapy, music therapy, and engagement in meaningful activities.

Holistic Rehabilitation

Caregiver Support

Why Choose Buddhi Clinic for Alzheimer’s Care?

At Buddhi Clinic, we offer personalised, compassionate care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families. Our combination of medical expertise, holistic therapies, and caregiver support ensures a comprehensive treatment plan. By using the latest technologies and therapeutic approaches, we aim to improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

Contact Us

Are you or a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s? Get the expert care you deserve. Buddhi Clinic is here to support you every step of the way.

Call us at +91 95000 10065 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Overview on Alzheimer's Disease