Schwartz Highlights Progress in Alzheimer’s Detection and Treatment
Ronald L. Schwartz, MD, CPI, a physician with Hattiesburg Clinic Memory Center and Hattiesburg Clinic Neurology, was recently invited to speak at two important events focused on education and support for individuals caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.
On Thursday, April 3, Dr. Schwartz presented at the Alzheimer’s Association Spring Caregiver Conference in Madison, Miss. This free, one-day event brought together caregivers, families and professionals for updates on Alzheimer’s research and treatment. Schwartz shared insights on the biology of Alzheimer’s and dementia, recent advancements in diagnostics and treatment, and an overview of clinical trials being conducted at Memory Center.
Two days later, on Saturday, April 5, Schwartz delivered the keynote address at the REFRESH Caregiver’s Conference held at Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Miss. His presentation, “Alzheimer’s – The Earlier, The Better,” focused on recent advancements in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. The REFRESH Conference is a one-day event providing faith-based encouragement, access to resources and practical tools for caregivers supporting individuals with dementia, special needs or long-term illness.
In addition to his clinical role, Schwartz is also the founder of disentangleAD, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Representatives from disentangleAD were on-site at REFRESH to connect with attendees seeking additional support.
“As the clinical focus shifts to the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, it is important for patients and caregivers to understand that the underlying causes of disease may begin 20 years before advanced dementia symptoms become overtly apparent,” Schwartz said. “Contextually, we now have access to biomarker testing through blood markers, PET scans or spinal fluid. These tests are very sensitive and allow for identification of Alzheimer’s disease even in the preclinical or minimally symptomatic stage.”
He added, “We are actively enrolling in AD prevention trials designed to identify and slow down AD before it has really started. Furthermore, we have newly FDA-approved immunotherapy treatments given via infusions which can slow down the cognitive and functional decline associated with disease progression. The landscape of Alzheimer’s management is evolving rapidly and the best place to start is with a baseline evaluation.”
Hattiesburg Clinic is proud to recognize Dr. Schwartz for his continued efforts to educate and support those affected by Alzheimer’s disease through both clinical practice and community outreach.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic Memory Center:
Hattiesburg Clinic Memory Center operates as a clinical practice focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and early pre-Alzheimer’s characterized as Mild Cognitive Impairment. Under the direction of a fellowship-trained, behavioral/cognitive neurologist, Memory Center will work with patients to establish an appropriate care plan.
About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.
