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Considering approximately 580,000 Floridians aged 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and that the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that number will grow, Broward Health provides a diverse range of memory disorder support services.

Antoinette Buckham-Charles

Broward Health North’s Memory Disorder Center treats patients with Alzheimer’s and related types of dementia using a personalized, multidisciplinary approach. The Memory Disorder Center team includes neurologists, neuropsychologists, social workers and nurses who conduct diagnostic evaluations and neurocognitive testing to determine the cause of memory impairment. They then collaborate on individualized treatment plans to help patients and their caregivers navigate the challenges associated with these progressive diseases.

Dr. Shaye Moskowitz

“Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in personality and behavior, including getting upset, angry or worried more easily,” said Hazel Wiley, D.O., medical director of the Memory Disorder Center. “Those with Alzheimer’s may suffer from depression as well. And some can have difficulty with new things or changes in routine. Our approach holds great promise for patients and caregivers struggling to manage the many challenges.”

To address some of those challenges, the Memory Disorder Center offers a Care Assistance Program (CAP) that provides free services including counseling, education, community referrals, and weekly in-person support groups for spouses and children of those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders. Both day and evening CAP meetings are available.

The center also offers complimentary and confidential memory screenings. Early detection of changes in memory and thinking skills can provide access to treatments that may mitigate slow changes.

Dr. Hazel Wiley

“It takes extraordinary commitment and understanding to manage the personality changes and unusual behaviors so often associated with memory loss, and it is our mission to provide the essential tools and knowledge that patients, families and caregivers need,” said Memory Disorder Center Coordinator Antoinette Buckham-Charles. To register for one of Broward Health North’s Care Assistance Programs (CAP) or for additional information, call 954-786-7392 or visit BrowardHealth.org/MemoryLoss.

The Memory Disorder Center is a Joint Commission-certified Alzheimer’s disease program. The Joint Commission Gold Seal of approval validates that stringent national standards for care of Alzheimer’s patients are consistently met.

Broward Health Home to Revolutionary Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial

Early this summer, Broward Health announced an unprecedented partnership with University of Florida Health and Insightec, becoming one of the first health systems in the state announced to participate in a clinical trial for a potentially groundbreaking new therapy for Alzheimer’s.

The unique technique being tested in the clinical trial is non-invasive and does not involve pharmaceuticals. Instead, it uses MRI-guided focused low-frequency ultrasound to temporarily create an opening in the blood-brain barrier, allowing plaque to clear from the brain.

This medical innovation – focused ultrasound – is being studied to see if it can control the disease earlier, giving the medical community, patients and their families, both here in Florida and around the world, the hope of treatment of this debilitating disease.

“We are incredibly excited about the potential of this study and hope a true reversal and cure for Alzheimer’s is on the horizon,” said Shaye Moskowitz, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgeon with Broward Health Physician Group who is the primary investigator for the clinical trial. “I’m proud to be part of Broward Health as we embark on this critical step forward.”

Interested Alzheimer’s patients or their family members should speak to their physician for more information or a referral into this study.