The Center for Memory and Brain Health at the LifeBridge Health Brain & Spine Institute focuses on early detection for dementia.  By combining cognitive testing and risk factor assessment, patients receive recommendations on how to minimize their risk for Alzheimer's and other related dimentias.  Patients who have already developed Alzheimer's will receive state-of-the-art treatments. 

We all know the importance of physical exercise, but your brain needs a workout too. According to Dr. Majid Fotuhi, director Memory and Brain Health at the LifeBridge Health Brain & Spine Institute, staying mentally active as you age can reduce your risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. In fact, cognitive abilities can be increased at any age by following a few simple steps. So, here are a few fun ways to keep your brain in great shape.

  • Read, write, work crossword or other puzzles (Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles)
  • Attend lectures and plays
  • Enroll in courses at your local adult education center, community college or other    community group
  • Play games
  • Garden
  • Try memory exercises
  • Join dancing or other social groups
  • Volunteer in community groups and causes
  • Improve your physical fitness: walking for 30 minutes per day, three times a week
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables (avoid eating too much)
  • Reduce stress and “be happy” (as much as possible)

You can read Dr. Fotuhi’s “10-step Memory Protection Plan” in his acclaimed book entitled “The Memory Cure: How to Protect Your Brain Against Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease.” The book is available through amazon.com. Click here for more information.

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease impacts more than the patient. Families, friends and caregivers all become victimized by Alzheimer’s as they struggle to care for their increasingly helpless loved ones. The Center for Memory and Brain Health of the LifeBridge Brain & Spine Institute provides the region’s most comprehensive support for all those struggling with Alzheimer’s, both directly and indirectly.

Symptoms

Symptoms start with minor forgetfulness and short term memory loss. As the disease progresses, individuals may suffer personality and behavior changes including suspiciousness, anxiety, delusions or hallucinations. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, communicate and carry out daily activities.

Diagnostics

The Center for Memory and Brain Health's multidisciplinary staff has the tools and the training they need to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s and related dementia disorders. Patients undergo a complete mental and neurological evaluation to gather information on medical and social histories, reflexes, motor skills, visual spatial abilities, and language, memory, and concentration skills.  They will also undergo blood tests and MRI's to look for reversible causes of memory loss.

Treatments

The center creates a wide-ranging treatment plan for each patient, in consultation with his or her private physician and through referrals.  The goal is to provide the highest quality of life possible for both patients and their caregivers.

  • Diet Recommendations
  • Exercises and Mental Activities
  • Nursing Services
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Social Services
  • Adult Day Centers
  • Referral to Alzheimer's Association for joining support groups

A wide range of new medications are now available for treatment of dementia and each patient will receive the appropriate therapeutic agents at each state of their disease. 

A Team Approach

At the Center for Memory and Brain Health, patients have access to the region’s leading neurologists, psychologists, pharmacologists, physiatrists, geriatricians and social workers.

Majid Fotuhi, M.D., Ph.D., received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and his doctorate in neurosciences at Johns Hopkins. He is the author of "The Memory Cure: How to Protect Your Brain Against Memory Loss and Alzheimer’s Disease."  He is an assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins and also teaches at Harvard Medical School. 

For more information about the Center for Memory and Brain Health,
call 1-888-747-8899