Jonathan Graff-Radford - Mayo Clinic on Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias

Medical Editors

Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D.

Angela M. Lunde, M.A.

Editorial Director

Paula M. Marlow Limbeck

Senior Editor

Karen R. Wallevand

Managing Editor

Stephanie K. Vaughan

Senior Product Manager

Daniel J. Harke

Art Director

Stewart J. Koski

Illustration, Photography and Production

Joanna R. King, Jamie Klemmensen, Kent Mc Daniel, Gunnar T. Soroos

Editorial Research Librarians

Abbie Y. Brown, Edward (Eddy) S. Morrow Jr., Erika A. Riggin, Katherine (Katie) J. Warner

Copy Editors

Miranda M. Attlesey, Alison K. Baker, Nancy J. Jacoby, Julie M. Maas

Indexer

Steve Rath

Contributors

Rachel A. Haring Bartony; Bradley F. Boeve, M.D.; Hugo Botha, M.B., Ch.B.; Guojun Bu, Ph.D.; Richard J. Caselli, M.D.; Tanis J. Ferman, Ph.D.; Neill R. Graff-Radford, M.D.; Sherrie M. Hanna, M.A., L.P.; Clifford R. Jack, M.D.; David T. Jones, M.D.; David S. Knopman, M.D.; Heather L. LaBruna; James F. Meschia, M.D.; Ronald C. Petersen, M.D., Ph.D.; Maisha T. Robinson, M.D.; Nikki H. Stricker, Ph.D., L.P.; Nilufer Taner, M.D., Ph.D.; Philip W. Tipton, M.D.; Ericka E. Tung, M.D., M.P.H.; Rene L. Utianski, Ph.D.; Prashanthi Vemuri, Ph.D.; Laura M. Waxman; Jenny Whitwell, Ph.D.; Bryan K. Woodruff, M.D.

Published by Mayo Clinic Press

First electronic edition published 2020 by RosettaBooks LLC, New York.

2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all of the people living with dementia and their care partners who continue to help us understand the lived experience of Alzheimers disease and related dementias. We extend a very special thank you to the team of people living with dementia and care partners who contributed input and guidance to this books themes and content.

MAYO, MAYO CLINIC and the Mayo triple-shield logo are marks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. This book is intended only as an informative guide for those wishing to learn more about health issues. It is not intended to replace, countermand or conflict with advice given to you by your own physician. The ultimate decision concerning your care should be made between you and your doctor. Information in this book is offered with no guarantees. The author and publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book. The individuals pictured in this book are models, and the photos are used for illustrative purposes only. Theres no correlation between the individuals portrayed and the condition or subject discussed.

ISBN (epub): 978-0-7953-5292-8
ISBN (print): 978-1-893005-61-7

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020934205

Its an exciting time in the field of Alzheimers disease and other dementias. Significant progress has been made in the ability to diagnose dementia and detect Alzheimers disease before symptoms develop. An early and accurate diagnosis offers a better understanding of how a persons illness will evolve.

Researchers have also discovered that dementia often has more than one cause, even though Alzheimers disease is most common. This means that effective future treatment will be tailored to an individual.

Researchers are working diligently to develop therapies and, hopefully, prevent these diseases entirely. They understand the relationship between brain health and lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and exercise, much better than they have in the past. These are some of the reasons that theres hope in the world of dementia research.

As researchers work to develop new therapies, additional challenges must be addressed: reducing the stigma surrounding dementia and expanding care and support for those affected by dementia. These are urgent issues that require attention.

In Mayo Clinic on Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias, youll gain an understanding of dementia based on what researchers and other medical experts know about it today. Youll also learn that dementia isnt just about loss and decline. For many, a good quality of life can and does continue.

Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D.

Angela M. Lunde, M.A.

Medical Editors

Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D., is a behavioral neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he evaluates and treats patients with cognitive disorders, including dementia. An associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Dr. Graff-Radford also serves as a co-investigator in the Mayo Clinic Alzheimers Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Dr. Graff-Radford has published more than 100 articles and written chapters for books on cognition, Alzheimers disease and related dementias. He was awarded the Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging for his research. During his training at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Graff-Radford received the Woltman Award for Excellence in Clinical Neurology and the Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award.

Angela M. Lunde, M.A., has worked in dementia care for nearly 20 years. She is a co-investigator of the Outreach, Recruitment and Education Core in the Mayo Clinic Alzheimers Disease Research Center, where she focuses on the emotional well-being and quality of life of those living with dementia and their care partners. Ms. Lunde is involved in state, national and international partnerships focused on reducing stigma, improving well-being, and supporting the inclusion and voice of people living with dementia. Awarded the recognition of associate in Mayo Clinics Department of Neurology in 2012, Ms. Lunde has helped create innovative programs aimed at helping people affected by dementia live well. She has co-authored numerous articles, written several book chapters, and maintained an expert blog on dementia caregiving for more than a decade.

The first warning signs started at work.

Tasks that would have taken me minutes to complete were taking longer and longer, and I was asking for help, often from people I had helped train. I got lost coming home from work. I always seemed ready for an argument if someone challenged me.

The turning point occurred when I couldnt recall an argument I had with my wife the night before.

She thought I was trying to make believe that it never happened, but when I told her I had no memory of the things I said, we cried and hugged because we knew something was seriously wrong.

At the age of 52, I was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimers. Three years later, the diagnosis was changed to Lewy body dementia. I am now 58 years old.

I can still learn new things, I can still do the things I enjoy doing, and most importantly, I still have a voice and I plan on using that voice for as long as I can. One way I can do this is by dispelling some common myths about dementia.