Elder Care Experts
Alzheimer's Disease

Maurizio Grimaldi, MD, Ph.D. is the Leader of the Neuropharmacology/neuroscience Laboratory at Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Grimaldi graduated from medical school magna cum laude from the University of Napoli in Italy, one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in Italy. Specializing in clinical pharmacology, Dr. Grimaldi obtained his PhD in neuropharmacology and toxicology from the same University. At Southern Research, Dr. Grimaldi directs the commercial activities for the Neuropharmacology Laboratory, including low-throughput screening. He is a co-investigator in the NIH-NINDS Drug Screening for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Stroke. Visit him at www.SouthernResearch.com

How long does Alzheimer's disease last on average?
The average, calculated by the Alzheimer' Association is around 8 to 12 years. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.

If Alzheimer’s is a disease of the memory, how do people die from it?
The disease is not only a memory disease. It initially manifests with a marked memory failure. However, learning and higher brain functions are also affected. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.

What are the diagnostic tests used for Alzheimer's disease?
There are no specific laboratory tests that can unequivocally tell that you have Alzheimer's disease. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.

What kind of information should I bring to my first visit to the doctor?
All background blood work and tests that assess brain function and brain imaging studies that might have been performed recently are helpful. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.

Who should I go to if I suspect Alzheimer's disease?
Your family doctor can suspect the disease, but they may not be qualified to diagnosis the disease. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.

Is Alzheimer’s disease hereditary?
Sometimes, if a member of the family has the disease, the siblings show a higher risk. However, 99.9% of Alzheimer's cases are not hereditary. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.