Dr. Zeeshan Khan educates residents on Alzheimer’s and other dementia-type symptoms, diagnoses and treatment options
Dr. Zeeshan Khan
The Engaged Living TM Physician Lecture Series at Applewood hosts various experts to present topics of interest related to seniors’ health and disease management. In December, Dr. Zeeshan Khan, board-certified geriatric physician, associate professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and medical director of the New Hope Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, presented “Understanding Dementia” to a large resident audience.
According to Alzheimer’s NJ, more than 600,000 New Jerseyans are affected by cognitive functioning disease and nearly 70% of us know someone who has or had some type of dementia. Dr. Khan delivered a straightforward discussion that identified the four most common types of dementia in older people, typical symptoms, diagnosis options, the latest medications and additional treatment modalities. The doctor also shared some experiences working with patients who suspected they had dementia, in addition to patients unaware of worsening symptoms.
READ: Eight Critical Attributes to Consider for a Memory Care Center
DIAGNOSING DEMENTIA
”The majority of patients do not need imaging of the brain to diagnose dementia,” says Dr. Khan. “Typically, we can make a determination after completing a thorough medical history, physical exam, cognitive testing (such as a mental status exam) and bloodwork.”
Dr. Khan described the four primary types of dementia:
- Alzheimer’s dementia – Accounts for 66% of all diagnosed cases
- Vascular dementia – Accounts for 15-20% of all cases
- Dementia with Lewy bodies – A type of dementia that can progress more rapidly than Alzheimer’s dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia – Typically seen in patients under the age of 60
After his presentation, Dr. Khan opened the discussion to more than 70 Applewood residents in attendance who asked questions about treatment, medications and side effects, family history and residential memory care centers.
READ: Learn more about Dr. Jia Zhen Cheng’s presentation on Parkinson’s disease
UPCOMING LECTURES PLANNED
Future Engaged Living™ Physician Lecture Series senior health topics will include:
- Skin cancer prevention & treatment
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Parkinson’s disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
- Dementia & neurological conditions and treatments
LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE AT APPLEWOOD
Applewood is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) affiliated with CentraState Healthcare System, an Atlantic Health System partner, a private, not-for-profit health organization located less than a mile from our campus. Our community offers independent living, assisted living, Thrive memory care and skilled nursing residential living. Call 732.303.7416 to schedule a visit and learn more.
