Dementia: What You Need to Know, and How Denali Healthcare Specialists Can Help

Denali Healthcare Specialists Blog Dementia: What You Need to Know, and How Denali Healthcare Specialists Can Help
Dementia

 

It starts subtly—missed appointments, misplaced items, repeated questions. At first, it seems like ordinary forgetfulness. But when the signs become more frequent, more concerning, you start to ask yourself, Is something deeper going on?

You’re not alone. Families all across Alaska are grappling with these same questions as they notice changes in their parents, spouses, or even themselves. Dementia is a growing concern, and the truth is—it doesn’t just affect memory. It affects the way we live, the way families function, and the very way we care for one another.

At Denali Healthcare Specialists in Anchorage, neurologist Dr. Arif Chowdhury offers compassionate, comprehensive care for patients experiencing memory loss and other cognitive concerns. With advanced diagnostic tools and a personalized approach, our team helps you navigate the uncertainties of dementia—and equips you with a clear path forward.

Dementia: More Than Memory Loss

Dementia is not a single disease. It’s a broad term used to describe a decline in mental function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It can affect memory, communication, problem-solving, and even personality.

The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are other forms that mimic or overlap with Alzheimer’s—including Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. Each type requires a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.

While memory loss is often the first sign people notice, other symptoms include:

If someone you care about is showing these signs, it’s time to ask the hard question—and then take the first step toward clarity.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Many people delay getting help because they fear the unknown. But early diagnosis of dementia doesn’t just offer peace of mind—it creates opportunity.

Opportunity to plan.
Opportunity to treat.
Opportunity to preserve quality of life.

Thanks to advancements in medical science, FDA-approved treatments now exist for Alzheimer’s disease, and early intervention is crucial for these therapies to be most effective. And with better imaging tools like PET scans and high-resolution MRI, specialists like Dr. Chowdhury can detect subtle changes in the brain long before full symptoms appear.

But the benefits aren’t just medical—they’re emotional, practical, and deeply human. When families understand what’s happening and what to expect, they’re empowered to make decisions that serve the patient with dignity and compassion.

What Makes Our Approach Different

At Denali Healthcare Specialists, you’re not just another case. You’re a family in need of answers—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Dr. Chowdhury and our care team follow a comprehensive diagnostic process that starts with understanding the full story:

Once we understand what’s happening, we build a personalized treatment plan tailored to the specific type of dementia, the stage of progression, and the needs of both the patient and the family.

Dementia Care Is Family Care

One of the most heartbreaking realities of dementia is that it doesn’t only affect the person diagnosed—it impacts the entire family.

Caregivers often carry an enormous burden: managing medications, supervising daily routines, navigating safety concerns, and dealing with the emotional toll of watching someone they love fade before their eyes.

You might be reading this today not because you are experiencing symptoms, but because you’ve become the default caregiver. Maybe it’s your mom. Your spouse. Your uncle who helped raise you.

You’re tired. You’re frustrated. And you’re scared of what the future might bring.

That’s why our care doesn’t stop at diagnosis. We offer ongoing support for families, referrals for community resources, and regular follow-ups to adjust treatment as needed. We want you to feel seen, heard, and supported—because dementia care is family care.

The Rising Tide of Dementia in Alaska and Beyond

Dementia isn’t going away. In fact, it’s expected to double in prevalence over the next 20 years. As people live longer and the baby boomer generation ages, more families will be touched by these difficult diagnoses.

The question isn’t if we will need to be ready—it’s how.

How will we prepare our communities, our clinics, and our caregivers?
How will we ensure patients receive timely diagnosis and effective treatment?
How will we create systems of support that lift the emotional burden off families?

At Denali Healthcare Specialists, we are committed to being part of the solution. That means investing in clinical expertise, embracing the latest advancements in treatment, and meeting each patient where they are—with empathy and precision.

Modern Treatment Options: Hope Is Here

Until recently, families facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis felt like they had few options. But today, FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments are available and covered by most insurances. These medications work best when initiated early—and they can make a meaningful difference in slowing progression.

In addition to medications, our dementia care plans may also include:

There is no “one-size-fits-all” in dementia care—and there shouldn't be.

Your Next Step: Don’t Wait

If you’ve read this far, you’re likely already concerned about yourself or someone you love. The worst thing you can do now is wait and hope things improve on their own.

At Denali Healthcare Specialists, we’re here to walk with you—starting with a single phone call.

 

Author
Arif Chowdhury, MD Arif Chowdhury, MD Neurologist at Denali Healthcare Specialists in Alaska

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