Dr. Andrew Frank addresses Memory Loss

Dr. Andrew Frank, a Cognitive and Behavioural Neurologist from the Memory Disorder Clinc  in Ottawa addressed the Council on Aging of Ottawa’s Lunch and Learn Event on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009. Dr. Frank addressed what is normal memory loss and contrasted it with memory loss that is not normal.

Memory loss that is not normal includes repeating questions or statements within the same day or conversation,without recollection of saying the same thing before; forgetting names of simple objects, or close family members and not always remembering them later; forgetting how to perform activities, which previously were done very well.

Dr. Frank outlined the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in our aging population and outlined some of the Cholinestrase Inhibitors that are currently available for treatment of the disease. He stressed that these medications only help a little and do not make a dramatic difference. He also addressed the elements of lifestyle  that can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease including the control of “vascular” risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar, that weaken the brain and make it more vulnerable. He also underlined mental and physical exercises and social involvement as being key elements of Alzheimer’s prevention.

Dr. Frank also outlined some of the research that is being done and highlighted the development of  new treatments which aim to remove amyloid and tau build-up in the brain. These treatments are also entering phase 3 studies in the USA and Canada including a group at Élisabeth Bruyere Hospital with which Dr. Frank is associated. Information on clinical trials in the USA can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov