The multidisciplinary team at Norton Neuroscience Institute has the skill and experience to recognize dementia and its related conditions, help slow the progress and manage symptoms.

More patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana get care at Norton Neuroscience Institute than with any other provider in the area. The comprehensive range of board-certified specialists provides a diversity of viewpoints to develop a customized care plan for each patient.

Dementia is an umbrella term for medical conditions that affect language, memory and decision-making skills. The condition is caused by damage to brain cells and shrinking brain tissue. Many cases of dementia cannot be reversed, although some symptoms can be treated with medicine or other therapies. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia Symptoms

Dementia symptoms vary, and many worsen over time. In general, symptoms include:

• Memory loss, especially short-term memory
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty communicating verbally
• Personality changes, including out-of-character behaviors, paranoia and agitation
• Anxiety or depression

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention and treatment depend on the cause of the dementia. Although most cases of dementia are not curable, there are steps patients can take to slow onset or progress. A healthy lifestyle can decrease the risk of mental decline and dementia symptoms. A doctor may do some tests on patients to decide exactly what type of dementia they have.

There are some steps people can take that might delay onset or reduce symptoms of dementia:

• Stay physically, mentally and socially active
• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy diet and get enough vitamins
• Manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and weight
• Get enough good sleep

Louisville’s Leader in Neurological Care

More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana seek treatment from Norton Neuroscience Institute’s nationally recognized neurologists and neurosurgeons than any other provider in the area.

• We have more than 60 medical, surgical and research specialists dedicated to providing innovative care to those with brain, spine and nervous system conditions.
• We use advanced minimally invasive neurosurgery equipment that speeds your recovery and minimizes pain.
• Our multidisciplinary clinics offer easy access to specialists in oncology, cardiovascular, orthopedics and behavioral health.
• Norton Healthcare has the largest network of accredited stroke centers in the area.
  • Norton Brownsboro Hospital’s designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and American Stroke Association represents the highest level of care.
  • The Joint Commission also certified Norton Audubon Hospital and Norton Hospital as Primary Stroke Centers and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.
• Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center navigators help educate patients and their families about new diagnoses, available treatments and managing their disease.
• We are nationally recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a Top 100 neurosurgery and spine program.