Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: What You Need to Know - Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report

by Isabel Souffront, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer of Conviva Broward County

The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, affects an estimated 6.7 million American seniors. That’s about 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older.

November marks Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, an important time to know the facts of this illness that affects so many but has yet to have a cure. Researchers are still working to discover what causes the disease.

A progressive loss of memory that affects its victims both cognitively and physically, Alzheimer’s symptoms start to manifest in patients after age 60. About 3 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Aside from its prevalence among seniors, Alzheimer’s tends to more commonly prey on women and minorities. Consider these statistics:

Women represent two-thirds of the nation’s Alzheimer’s cases.
Older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias versus their White counterparts.
Older Hispanics are about 1.5 times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to older Whites.

My Personal Story

My mother is a victim of Alzheimer’s, which has given me an intimate insight into the challenges that families face because I deal with these same challenges daily. On the plus side, the experience has inspired in me a passion and commitment to help find a cure for this devastating disease for the benefit of so many families like mine.

I am honored to chair this year’s Broward County Walk to End Alzheimer’s Nov. 18. I encourage everyone to participate in this worthy and important fundraising event. (More details about the walk and how to get involved are listed at the end of this story.)

Sobering Statistics

Deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, Alzheimer’s is NOT a normal part of aging. It is a progressive and irreversible degeneration of the brain that disrupts memory, cognition, personality, and other functions, and can ultimately result in death from complete brain failure.

Sadly, the percentage of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s increases with age – from 5% among ages 65-74 to 13% among ages 75-84 and 33% among those aged 85+. The Alzheimer’s Association warns that by 2050, the number of people 65 and older with the disease may grow to 12.7 million (barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease).

Warning Signs

Alzheimer’s symptoms start off with subtle signs of forgetfulness – like misplacing keys or having trouble remembering common words. But as the disease progresses, memory loss grows, and it becomes harder for victims to think about getting from point A to point B. This is very unsettling for seniors who place a high priority on maintaining their independence. As the decline continues, it becomes more difficult to perform simple functions, such as taking a shower. Eventually a person with Alzheimer’s disease does not recognize others, and over time can become combative and abusive.

In most cases Alzheimer’s does not have a singular genetic cause. Rather it is influenced by multiple genes, in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors. There are some genetic tests that can be done, but genetics is not the only predisposition.

Combating Alzheimer’s Disease

Staying active and keeping a daily routine is crucial, as social isolation will lead to brain atrophy. Solving crossword puzzles, playing chess, or learning how to play an instrument, for example, help seniors stimulate the mind and reduce the chances of “brain fog” and fatigue. Nutrition is also important, and the Mediterranean diet is believed to offer the best defense. It consists of vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, olive oil, dairy products, eggs, fish, and poultry.

Conviva Provides Testing Services

Conviva is dedicated to serving seniors. Our centers are equipped to treat them medically and support their health and wellbeing with special programs, services and events. We perform memory tests designed to evaluate a patient’s status and recommend a memory clinic for a full evaluation.

At Conviva Pembroke North University in Broward County, we recently hired an experienced geriatrician focused on providing our patients with memory-related care and services. Prior to joining our team, he was a geriatric fellow while helping run the memory clinic at Cleveland Clinic. We urge local seniors to come in to meet him and inquire about our “Healthy Brain Day” for screening of memory ability and other tests.

All Conviva wellness centers play a huge role in helping keep senior patients engaged with others to avoid detrimental social isolation.

The Realities of Alzheimer’s Disease

With age, some memory loss can be normal, but it can be severe for those susceptible to Alzheimer’s. While denial by both the patient and family is common at the onset, it is critical that those affected quickly learn to accept the facts and prioritize the disease with proper care and treatment.

Depression can mask Alzheimer’s, and even doctors have been known to have a hard time moving on to the next step following a positive evaluation and diagnosis. In helping impacted patients cope with the disease, doctors must follow a four-step plan – reassure, reconsider, redirect and relax.

Taking the patient out of his/her routine will only set them back. Arguing causes confusion and frustration. The key is to know when and how to get professional help. The Alzheimer’s hotline for caregivers is: (800) 272-3900.

2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

I encourage everyone to take part in the 2023 Broward County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Nov. 18, to help us raise much-needed funds to research a cure. “Fighting for a Different Future” is this year’s theme. Registration starts at 8 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony and walk at 9 a.m. The event will be held at Nova Southeastern University, located at 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

For event information, registration, and donation options, contact Alie Rousseau at (954) 655-4719 or alrousseau@alz.org.

ABOUT ISABEL SOUFFRONT, M.D.

Dr. Souffront, a board-certified family medicine specialist, is Chief Medical Officer of Conviva for Broward County, Florida. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Dr. Souffront completed her residency at Montefiore Hospital Family Health Center in New York City and was named chief resident. She earned a medical degree from Albany Medical College (NY) and a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management and Administration from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Studies from City College of New York. A member of the American Medical Association, National Association of Health Services Executives, and the New York Association of Healthcare Quality, Dr. Souffront’s dedication to healthcare is rooted deeply in her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of people.

ABOUT CONVIVA

Conviva is part of CenterWell, a leading health care services business focused on creating integrated and differentiated experiences that put our patients at the center of everything we do. The result is high quality health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and, most of all, personalized. As the largest provider of senior-focused primary care, one of the leading providers of home health care, and a leading integrated home delivery, specialty, hospice, and retail pharmacy, CenterWell is focused on whole health and addressing the physical, emotional and social wellness of our patients. CenterWell and Conviva are part of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). Learn more about what we offer at CenterWell.com and ConvivaCareCenters.com.