Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia

Dementia refers to symptoms of a decline in thinking abilities that interfere with one’s ability to carry out daily tasks independently. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of many causes of dementia but is the most common cause of dementia in individuals over the age of 65. In AD, abnormal protein deposits (called neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques) form in the brain and destroy healthy brain cells. Commonly, these abnormalities tend to first form in brain areas that are responsible for memory. In some people with AD, however, these deposits can form in different areas of the brain in early stages and cause a decline in language functions, reasoning, visual perceptual skills or mood.

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Symptoms & Causes

Learn about the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease dementia.

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Diagnosis

Find out what tests may be involved in making a diagnosis.

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Care, Support & Treatment

There are no cures, but there are ways to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease dementia.

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Meet Our Team

The members of the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease are faculty at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and other Northwestern University schools. Browse their profiles to learn more about their clinical interests and research work.

Meet our Members

Research

Research Studies

Those living with Alzheimer’s disease dementia should consider enrolling in a research program affiliated with the center. Browse our list of ongoing studies recruiting new participants.

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Care & Support

Glen and Wendy Miller Family Buddy Program

The Miller family’s generous support allows us to offer the Buddy Program. The program pairs individuals living with dementia with first-year medical students. 

Learn more about the Buddy Program

Events

Alzheimer Day This annual springtime event showcases Alzheimer’s disease dementia research conducted throughout Northwestern with a day of poster presentations, panels and a town hall meeting.

Alzheimer’s Disease Seminar Series Browse our schedule to learn more about upcoming lunchtime seminars featuring the latest in Alzheimer’s disease dementia care and research.

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