The thought of memory loss and developing Alzheimer’s disease is frightening for anyone. However, Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator program has good news to share. There are promising breakthroughs when it comes to treating those currently diagnosed, and there are significant advances toward preventing the onset of the brain disease for those who have a family history or may be at risk.
Dr. Danielle Goldfarb, a neuropsychiatrist at the Banner Sun Health Research Institute, shares why she’s excited about the future for patients with memory care related issues.
“There are so many things going on in the Alzheimer’s world and many investigational medications on the horizon that this feels like a more hopeful time than ever,” Dr. Goldfarb shares.
Dr. Goldfarb says advances in the technology used for brain scans and spinal fluid testing can now detect the build-up of toxic proteins (known to cause the brain disease) years before symptoms set in. This means that, like many other diseases, we can now detect Alzheimer’s before it becomes life-altering. She says there are treatments shown in research studies to slow the progression of these toxic proteins. The key is knowing they exist.
Additionally, Dr. Goldfarb shares there is promising new research on treatments to improve common Alzheimer’s symptoms of agitation and mood swings, which can be tough on the patient, and at times, unbearable for caregivers. She says Banner Sun Health is partnering with Johns Hopkins University to test a well-known, safe medication commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, to help those symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s. The study provides personalized patient and caregiver support along with the medication with the goal of improving agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s.
“Treating these symptoms is important because the agitation and behavior changes can be more distressing to the patient and caregiver than the memory loss,” Dr. Goldfarb says. “We need to show these medications work through rigorous clinical trials, so that all healthcare providers are empowered to identify and treat agitation in dementia.”
Dr. Goldfarb encourages anyone with a family history of the disease to reach out to BSHRI to learn if they fall into the category of “preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.”
If you are interested in learning more about the research opportunities for those with or without memory problems, please contact Banner Sun Health Research Institute’s Clinical Research Recruitment Manager Michael Callan at (623) 832-6573. There is no cost to participate.
Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator program can help those with memory loss and their family members and friends to identify support, services and resources that may be helpful in navigating the dementia journey. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call 623-471-9300, or visit SunHealthWellness.org/memorycare.
