Alzheimer’s Care at XTRA Care Clinic
At XTRA Care Clinic in Dallas, TX, Dr. Evelyne Imah, a double board-certified Psychiatric Health Nurse Practitioner, is dedicated to providing compassionate and specialized care for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, cognitive function, and behavior. Early diagnosis and comprehensive care are critical to slowing the disease’s progression and improving the quality of life for both patients and their families.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a condition characterized by the decline of cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unknown, but factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle are thought to contribute. The disease progresses through several stages, from mild memory problems to severe brain impairment, eventually leading to the inability to carry out even the most basic tasks.
Alzheimer’s Symptoms
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
- Changes in mood, behavior, and personality
Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
At XTRA Care Clinic, Dr. Evelyne Imah and her team use a multi-faceted approach to diagnose Alzheimer’s. This process may include:
- Comprehensive medical history evaluation
- Cognitive and memory tests
- Neurological assessments
- Brain imaging (such as MRI or CT scans)
- Laboratory tests to rule out other possible causes of symptoms
Alzheimer’s Treatment
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. At XTRA Care Clinic, Dr. Imah provides tailored treatment plans that include:
- Medications: Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are commonly prescribed to help reduce symptoms or slow disease progression.
- Cognitive Therapy: Mental exercises and cognitive rehabilitation may help maintain cognitive function for a longer period.
- Behavioral Management: Dr. Imah specializes in addressing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as aggression, agitation, depression, and anxiety.
- Family Support and Counseling: Alzheimer’s affects not only the patient but also their family. XTRA Care Clinic offers guidance and counseling for families to better understand and cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Supportive Care
Alzheimer’s is a long-term condition that requires ongoing care and management. Dr. Evelyne Imah and her team offer a holistic approach, focusing on both physical and mental health. This includes regular monitoring of the patient’s condition, adjustments in medication as necessary, and referrals to additional care services when required.
Specialized Alzheimer’s Care for Mental Health
At XTRA Care Clinic, Alzheimer’s care also focuses on mental health, recognizing that the emotional and psychological well-being of both the patient and their caregivers is crucial. Dr. Imah’s psychiatric expertise allows her to provide comprehensive care that addresses anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders that often accompany Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Care for All Stages
Whether a patient is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or experiencing more advanced symptoms, Dr. Imah tailors care to meet their evolving needs. XTRA Care Clinic’s focus on patient-centered care ensures that every individual receives a customized approach to their treatment plan, emphasizing dignity and respect at every stage of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
A: Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments, while Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s involves memory loss and cognitive decline that worsens over time.
Q: Can Alzheimer’s be cured?
A: Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, treatments are available that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Q: What are the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
A: Early signs include memory loss, confusion with time or place, difficulty completing familiar tasks, trouble finding the right words, and changes in mood or behavior.
Q: How does Alzheimer’s progress over time?
A: Alzheimer’s progresses through stages, starting with mild memory loss and leading to more severe cognitive decline, loss of independence, and eventually, the inability to carry out daily activities.
Q: How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history review, cognitive testing, brain imaging, and lab tests to rule out other conditions.
Q: What are the treatment options for Alzheimer’s?
A: While there is no cure, treatments include medications, cognitive therapy, behavioral management, and supportive care that can help manage symptoms.
Q: Can lifestyle changes help prevent Alzheimer’s?
A: While Alzheimer’s cannot be entirely prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation, may reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Q: How can caregivers cope with the challenges of Alzheimer’s?
A: XTRA Care Clinic offers counseling and support for caregivers, helping them navigate the emotional and physical challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Support groups and educational resources can also provide valuable assistance.
Contact Information:
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s or need specialized care, Dr. Evelyne Imah and the team at XTRA Care Clinic are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care services.
XTRA Care Clinic
10503 Forest Ln 154 B
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: (972) 365-0084
Optimize your care and the care of your loved ones with the compassionate expertise of Dr. Evelyne Imah at XTRA Care Clinic.
Your Dallas Mental Health Center
Xtra Care Clinic is located at 10503 Forest Ln 154 B in Dallas. Located next to Transformation Prayer Center in the Northgate Business Park. Call us at (972) 365-0084 if you have any questions or to schedule your appointment.