Dementia

Dementia Care in Clinton, TN | GEM Neurology

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of dementia, and this number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. At GEM Neurology, located in Clinton, Tennessee, Dr. Luis E. Zayas delivers specialized dementia care tailored to each patient’s needs.

With dual board certifications in neurology and internal medicine and extensive expertise in managing neurodegenerative diseases and vascular conditions, Dr. Zayas provides comprehensive, compassionate care. He focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms and slowing disease progression, offering invaluable support for both patients and their families.

Take the first step toward expert dementia care. Call GEM Neurology at 865-666-4411 to schedule an evaluation today.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a broad term for the decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with daily life, affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia (often related to stroke or vascular disease), dementia with Lewy bodies, and LATE (Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy), a recently recognized form in older adults with symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s. At GEM Neurology, we specialize in diagnosing and managing dementia to enhance quality of life.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Dementia often presents with symptoms that affect daily life, including:

• Memory loss and difficulty finding words
• Challenges with problem-solving, organization, and complex tasks
• Poor coordination and movement control
• Confusion, disorientation, and getting lost
• Emotional changes like anxiety, depression, or agitation
• Personality shifts, inappropriate behaviors, paranoia, or hallucinations
• Parkinsonism 

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and slow progression. For expert dementia care, contact GEM Neurology.

What can cause dementia?

Dementia has multiple causes, often involving mixed dementia—where multiple types occur together, making it more common than single-type dementia. Key types include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Marked by plaques and tangles disrupting brain cells
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Caused by abnormal protein deposits
• Vascular Dementia: Resulting from blood vessel damage or strokes
• Frontotemporal Dementia: Due to degeneration in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes

Additional causes include Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), MSA (multiple system atrophy), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), traumatic brain injury, and Huntington’s disease. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle habits. Dr. Zayas specializes in identifying and managing dementia causes to enhance quality of life.

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

At GEM Neurology, we use a detailed and modern approach to find the cause of memory loss and cognitive decline.

Your visit includes:

• A review of your medical history, including medications. 

• Memory and thinking tests

• A neurological exam

• Bloodwork and brain imaging (like MRI)

We also offer advanced tests that help us detect dementia-related diseases earlier:

Syn-One Test®

A small skin biopsy that checks for abnormal proteins seen in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia—conditions that can cause memory and behavior changes.

PrecivityAD2™ Blood Test

A simple blood test for people 55 and older with memory symptoms. It checks for signs of amyloid plaques in the brain, a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease.
This test is over 90% accurate and helps guide treatment decisions. 

How is dementia managed?

At GEM Neurology, Dr. Zayas offers a comprehensive dementia management plan tailored to each individual. Treatment options include:

• Dietary support, including MIND diet guidance for brain health
• Referral to cognitive rehabilitation to improve memory, focus, and reasoning
• Regular physical activity and healthy weight management
• Medications to alleviate symptoms
• Lifestyle adjustments to promote overall well-being

Dr. Z conducts regular follow-ups to ensure effective management and the best possible quality of life for patients.

Schedule a dementia evaluation at GEM Neurology by calling our office today.