When patients face degenerative disorders that cause memory loss and difficulty thinking, a team approach is needed to manage the challenges patients encounter in daily life. At Neura Health, our medical providers and care coaches recognize that effectively managing these conditions requires partnership, not just between patient and provider, but also with spouses, family members, and friends who become essential care partners as the journey progresses.

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As symptoms gradually change over time, the support needed from both care partners and medical teams naturally increases. Throughout this journey, we remain committed to maintaining each patient's dignity, safety, and sense of feeling heard.

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How we work with care partners and patients

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Accurately evaluating cognitive and functional abilities is the foundation of effective care. Our approach extends beyond simply prescribing medications. We provide coaching and valuable resources tailored to each patient's specific needs and circumstances.

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1. In early stages, we work directly with patients to develop strategies that preserve independence and autonomy while guiding care partners on when and how to provide appropriate support.
   
   
2. As the condition progresses over twists and turns that require more support of care partners, Neura’s providers and coaches offer evidence-based recommendations, guidance and support to both patients and those who care for them.

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Types of memory disorders: Symptoms, causes and treatments‍

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Neura Health treats most types of dementia and neurodegenerative memory disorders. Dementia refers to the umbrella term, or category, for most of these disorders, the most common being Alzheimer’s.  Below is an overview of each of the subtypes Neura’s providers can treat.  

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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

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Patients with MCI experience changes in memory and thinking that are significant enough to disrupt some aspects of daily life, yet the patient still remains independent overall.

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Sometimes MCI is caused by a reversible condition, such as sleep apnea, depression, excessive alcohol use, or job burnout. However, it more often represents the first symptomatic stage of a neurodegenerative condition that requires medical evaluation and further testing.

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Mild Stage Alzheimer's Disease
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The transition from MCI to mild Alzheimer’s occurs when cognitive and behavioral symptoms have progressed to the point when the individual is no longer able to maintain overall independence. Patients at this stage, without help from others, would likely be jeopardizing their own safety and well-being.

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Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

As Alzheimer’s progresses to the moderate stage, cognitive symptoms become more pronounced and begin to interfere with basic routines. Individuals may need regular assistance with dressing, meal preparation, and managing personal hygiene.

This stage is also when care partners may begin to experience more emotional and logistical challenges, requiring stronger support systems and more structured interventions.

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Severe Alzheimer's Disease

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This stage brings profound cognitive impairment, and 24/7 care becomes necessary. Symptoms typically include difficulty expressing needs, trouble recognizing loved ones, loss of mobility and balance, swallowing difficulties, increased sleep needs, and incontinence.

Care partners learn to adopt a palliative approach focused primarily on addressing physical comfort, psychological well-being, and spiritual needs. Neura Health providers help families plan ahead, explore long-term care options when needed, and maintain meaningful connection throughout this deeply challenging stage.

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Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
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The “Lewy Body dementias” is a term referring to two closely related disorders: dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson disease-dementia (PDD).  DLB is typically managed by neurologists specializing in memory because initial symptoms are cognitive and behavioral, whereas PDD is typically managed by movement disorder experts, since initial symptoms mainly affect motor function.  

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Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
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FTD is the third most common type of degenerative dementia overall, but is second most common after Alzheimer's in those under 65 (called “early onset”). Unlike Alzheimer's, which is a fairly uniform disease, FTD takes on different forms and has different causes, all of which are characterized by shrinkage (atrophy) in the frontal lobes and front parts of the temporal lobes of the brain, usually visible on MRI.
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Vascular Cognitive Impairment
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Vascular cognitive impairment refers to a syndrome that can be caused by various cardiovascular diseases that affect blood supply to the brain. VCI is synonymous with "vascular dementia", a term that is used less often today, because symptoms may not always progress to loss of overall independence.
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The most common vascular disease that leads to VCI is Small-vessel Ischemic Disease. Smaller arteries that penetrate the brain thicken and narrow, affecting the brain’s “white matter” - essentially its wiring and connections, which leads to loss of processing speed and executive function.

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Neura Health’s memory specialists are ready to help you or a loved one with any of these issues, and offer video appointments within just one week, on average.  These short wait times mean more opportunities for early intervention.  Book a video visit today!

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