JOIN THE FIGHT against Alzheimer's Disease
What We Do
Dr. Curtis and his team are dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD). They work toward this goal by team performing free memory evaluations, conducting clinical trials, and providing education about AD.
The "to-do" list to cure AD is long, but most, if not all of that list, relies on the field of research in order to complete it. We research memory and memory loss, both in individuals with and without memory loss, through clinical trials. These trials are at NO COST to you, and treatments will NOT be found unless you participate. Dr. Curtis and his team have been involved in some of the world's largest and most important research trials for healthy memory, memory loss and AD. Dr. Curtis and several of his staff were honored to take part in the ground-breaking "A4" trial. The A4 Study was a landmark public-private partnership, funded by the National Institute on Aging/NIH, Eli Lilly and Company, and several philanthropic organizations. The A4 trial was coordinated by the University of Southern California’s Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, with study sites in multiple locations. The landmark Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s study (A4 Study) enrolled over 1,100 healthy older adults with NORMAL MEMORY but who might be at risk for AD due to family history of the disease and elevated levels of amyloid plaque in the brain. The primary study aims were to prevent the memory loss associated with the disease. The A4 study was the world’s largest prevention trial, but was ultimately discontinued in early 2023 when it was determined that the study drug did not meet its goal of clearing amyloid in the brain. While this news was certainly hard to hear, the trial was not for nothing. Researchers learned so much through the conduct of this trial and will be able to build upon that knowledge in future studies.
Currently, the world’s largest prevention trial is the AHEAD study, funded by its lead sponsor, Eisai Inc., in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial Consortium (ACTC), Biogen, and the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Although screening is now closed, our site was fortunate enough to be able to recruit participants for this study. This trial is testing the already FDA-approved drug, lecanemab (brand name Leqembi), which works to lower the amount of beta-amyloid in the brain, as well as help decrease decline in cognition and function in individuals with early AD.
While the AHEAD study is no longer recruiting participants, we have other similar studies that are! The availability of “healthy memory” studies like these, as well as changes being present in the brain decades before symptoms are part of why it’s so important to participate in research even if you aren’t experiencing any memory problems. Be proactive about your health, contribute to crucial research, and, most importantly, Be Alzheimer’s Aware!
Please help us in the fight to end this disease by calling Dr. Curtis’ office today to see how you can get involved.
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Memory and Memory Loss
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease
Have you ever had a "senior moment"?
Many adults (even Dr. Curtis) have! The good news is that most "senior moments" are just that, a senior moment, and nothing more to worry about. One reason these can occur is that our brain changes as we age- just like the rest of our body (our hair today doesn't look like our hair from your teenage y
Have you ever had a "senior moment"?
Many adults (even Dr. Curtis) have! The good news is that most "senior moments" are just that, a senior moment, and nothing more to worry about. One reason these can occur is that our brain changes as we age- just like the rest of our body (our hair today doesn't look like our hair from your teenage years, and neither does our brain). As we get older, our brain shrinks, leading to some minor memory impairment. This minor impairment is a natural consequence of aging and perfectly normal.
But Alzheimer's disease also begins as "senior moments," so how do we tell them apart?
One way is with memory testing, like the free memory screens we give in our office. These are very helpful, especially if we have a "baseline" performance with which to compare the results. This allows us to see if any noted changes are significant, thus a concern. Since we don't always have a baseline memory test, we also rely on diagnostic testing. Luckily, we have had some tremendous diagnostic breakthroughs recently that are helping doctors determine what might really be going on. These include PET scans, biomarkers, genetic testing, and more. Some researchers even feel the "holy grail" of diagnosis might be right around the corner- an accurate blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease!
How can I learn more?
Dr. Curtis gives various seminars and talks covering topics such as memory loss, memory loss prevention, Alzheimer's disease, how our brain ages and what we can do to help our brain age gracefully. Take the first step today and Be Alzheimer’s Aware by calling to sign up for one of his seminars.
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions marked by progressive memory and functional loss. There are over 30 forms of dementia. Some dementias are reversible if caught early enough, so an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention is critical.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, accounting for abou
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions marked by progressive memory and functional loss. There are over 30 forms of dementia. Some dementias are reversible if caught early enough, so an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention is critical.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 75% of cases. As of 2023, approximately 6.7 million Americans were living with AD. AD usually begins with barely noticeable, short-term memory problems that progressively worsen over time. It occurs in the brain and can often have genetic causes. People typically develop AD in their 60s to 80s.
Currently, there is no cure, but there has been some exciting recent research on prevention of AD with diet and exercise. There is also an abundance of ongoing clinical research trials (many of which we conduct right here in our office!) to create and test medications that work to slow and/or prevent the changes occurring in the brain that cause the disease.
AD is a devastating illness, not only for the patient, but for their family, friends, and caregiver(s), especially as the disease progresses. As doctors and other health care professionals, we want to see people as early as possible in the disease as that gives them the best chance of receiving an effective treatment.
What You Can Do Right Now
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease
What You Can Do Right Now
Dr. Curtis believes everyone should Be Alzheimer’s Aware. What does that mean though? It means take steps to educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease (AD)! Learn what it is, what causes it, who gets it, what you can do to prevent it, and more! There are too many misconceptions about AD that can be detrimental to getting help and finding
Dr. Curtis believes everyone should Be Alzheimer’s Aware. What does that mean though? It means take steps to educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease (AD)! Learn what it is, what causes it, who gets it, what you can do to prevent it, and more! There are too many misconceptions about AD that can be detrimental to getting help and finding a cure.
For example, many people (including doctors!) are misinformed and believe that AD is a normal part of aging. Because of this, when they begin to notice symptoms, they often believe there isn’t much that can be done. That couldn’t be farther from the truth though; AD is NOT a normal part of aging and there is MUCH that can be done to help! The sooner someone gets help, the better their chances are of slowing the progression of the disease.
Another common misconception is that there isn’t anything that can be done to help prevent AD. Research has shown that healthy lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, can help prevent AD. There are also several promising medications being researched to help prevent this disease.
Getting regular memory check-ups is another great way to stay on top of your brain health. You regularly get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and more checked by your doctor to anticipate and prevent future medical problems, why not your brain?
Our hope is that by educating people about AD, more people will be proactive about their health, know when to get help, and even join clinical trials to contribute to finding a cure.
So, are you ready to Be Alzheimer’s Aware? The best way to start is by calling our office today!