According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA), there are an estimated 39,534 people with probable Alzheimer’s disease in Broward County. Since 1986, the Memory Disorder Center at Broward Health North has been serving the residents of Broward County as the only memory disorder clinic in the county designated by the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, offering hope and care to patients experiencing memory loss, treating the patient as well as the caregiver.
The Memory Disorder Center participates in clinical trials which are designed to provide patients with access to treatments that could help slow the progression of the disease. The clinical trials seek to slow production of amyloid proteins and TAU proteins, plaques and tangles found in Alzheimer’s disease. The Center also has behavioral studies for individuals with agitation and or aggression, and prevention studies for individuals who are at risk for the onset of clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
“The Memory Disorder Center at Broward Health is a wonderful resource for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias,” said Broward Health President/CEO Beverly Capasso. “We provide quality care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s, while offering resources for those who are caring for a loved one with the disease.”
When a patient is diagnosed with a memory disorder, every family member is affected. Many Alzheimer’s patients require care 24 hours a day, more so in the late stages of the disease. For caregivers, learning to cope with changes in behavior and self-care techniques is paramount.
To provide support and education, the Memory Disorder Center hosts monthly support groups, an annual four-hour Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative educational program for respite providers, daycare specialists, nurse aides and healthcare professionals, and a Care Assistance Program (CAP) designed to educate family or friends about caring for a dependent loved one.
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“CAP speakers discuss the disease process, behavioral strategies, medications, legal issues and resources available for Alzheimer’s patients in the community,” said Milena Cedeno-Oblinger, RN, SCRN, Memory Disorder Center coordinator. “We also provide transportation and care for the Alzheimer’s patient while the caregiver attends the program.”In 2018, the Memory Disorder Center concluded a successful three-year Alzheimer’s Supportive Services pilot program, which helped more than 100 families who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and Down Syndrome by providing access to information, education, counseling, patient-centered care and helped streamlined eligibility determination for public programs and assistance.
The Memory Disorder Center is part of Broward Health North’s Neurological Institute, which was the first program in the nation to receive Joint Commission certification for the Alzheimer’s disease program. It was successfully re-certified in December 2017.
Early detection of Alzheimer’s is necessary for medical intervention that can help prevent secondary complications, such as falls and injuries. The Memory Disorder Center provides free memory screenings to help with early diagnosis and community education on early recognition of memory impairment issues. Clinical trials are essential to advancing Alzheimer’s disease research at a time when Alzheimer’s disease is reaching epidemic proportions.
“Without clinical trials, there can be no better treatments, no prevention and no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, said Nora Uhrig, CNRN, BSN, Neurological Institute director. “Research can provide hope for those who are diagnosed.”