Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and other important mental functions, including the ability to manage routine daily tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, a group of brain disorders that results in the loss of intellectual and social skills among older people. Alzheimer’s is marked by plaques, or clumps, and tangled fibers in the brain, and the loss of connections between nerve cells in the brain. It progresses slowly, with three stages of symptoms, and the time from diagnosis to death varies. There is no cure, but treatment can manage some of the symptoms.

The UAB Memory Disorders Clinic is the only such university-based specialty clinic in the state. We provide the most advanced level of patient care and continually find new ways to improve the outlook for people with memory disorders. We also are committed to helping each family assist the patient in maintaining the highest quality of life and mental function possible.

The clinic is led by a nationally recognized team of neurologists who are specialty trained in evaluating memory disorders, recognizing their causes, prescribing appropriate treatments, and participating in research studies to better understand the causes of and best treatments for memory problems.

The UAB Memory Disorders Clinic routinely conducts clinical trials through the NIH and others to further the knowledge in memory disorders, potentially giving our patients convenient access to treatments not available at most other medical centers.

Members of our UAB memory team work together closely to ensure that the experience for patients and their families is seamless and comfortable. Our excellent nursing team includes nurse practitioners to coordinate patient care in collaboration with physicians. Nurses are available to answer questions and provide support to patients and their families both in person and over the phone.

Click here to learn about requesting your medical records.

Care Providers

Victor Del Bene, PhD Neuropsychology David Geldmacher, MD Neurology Rita Jablonski, CRNP Memory and Cognitive Disorders Neurology, Neurology Matt Cooper, CRNP Neurology Erik Roberson, MD, PhD Memory and Cognitive Disorders Neurology, Neurology Marissa Natelson Love, MD Behavioral Medicine, Memory and Cognitive Disorders Neurology, Neurology

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions about Aduhelm New Alzheimer’s Medication
• Alzheimers Awareness Caregiver Tips
• Alzheimers Awareness Signs & Symptoms
• Alzheimers Awareness Infographic
• UAB Division of Memory Disorders and Behavioral Neurology
• UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Center
• U.S. National Library of Medicine – Alzheimer’s Disease

Related Specialties

• Dementia