Dementia has many causes but it’s not a disease in and of itself. Instead, there are various diseases that can cause the symptoms of dementia. It affects thinking, perceptions, memory, social abilities and can severely disrupt daily life and independence.
Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms in dementia, however memory loss can also have different causes, and just because someone experiences memory loss doesn’t necessarily mean that they have dementia.
The most common cause of dementia that progresses is Alzheimer’s Disease which occurs in older adults. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s but there are drug therapies being used that can slow its progression.
Symptoms of Dementia
- Memory loss
- Having trouble finding words
- Difficulty with visual tasks, such as getting lost while driving
- Diminished ability to multi-task or problem solve
- Not able to handle complex tasks
- Inability to organize or plan
- Coordination difficulties
- Disorientation/confusion
- Changes in personality
- Depression/anxiety
- Paranoia
- Loss of inhibitions/behaving inappropriately
- Agitation and increased irritability
- Hallucinations, both auditory and visual
It is important to see a physician to determine the underlying cause of dementia since some cases can be caused by underlying medical issues that may be reversible. These can include some of the following disorders:
- Infections
- Autoimmune conditions
- Thyroid problems, low blood sugar, absorption issues with B vitamins
- Dehydration
- Adverse reactions to medications
- Anoxia, a condition where organs may not be getting enough oxygen because of sleep apnea and other conditions.
- Injuries to the head such as subdural hematomas
Causes of Progressive Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Vascular dementia – damage to blood vessels in the brain. Slowed thinking, problem solving, and focus are more pronounced than memory loss.
- Frontotemporal dementia – affects the area of the brain that dictates personality, behavior, thinking, and language. It’s caused by degeneration in the vessels that supply blood to the brain.
- Mixed dementia – some autopsies of people who are over 80 years old have shown that their dementia had several causes such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Studies on these types of cases are ongoing.
- Lewy body dementia – this is caused by clumps of protein that are found in people with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms can include visual hallucinations which can be terrifying, acting out dreams when sleeping, and problems with attention, focus, and in the case of Parkinson’s, rigidity and tremors.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) dementia – can be caused by severe brain injury or by multiple blows to the head like an athlete might receive. TBI can also cause depression, impaired speech, memory loss, and explosive temper, which may not surface until years after the injury.
- Down syndrome – many people with Down syndrome will develop early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia and MeRTSM
Here at the Brain Treatment Center Dallas, Dr. Miller and his staff offer MeRTSM for various types of dementia. MeRTSM is a unique and improved version of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), and is much more individualized approach to brain modulation, which is tailored to the patient’s needs based on frequency, location, and power used. TMS modulates the brain’s electrical activity by using magnetic fields which pass through the scalp from an electromagnetic coil, however, it is important to note that TMS is a generalized approach to neuromodulation because it is only able to target a single location in the brain with a single frequency.
While the neuromodulation equipment used in the MeRTSM process has been cleared by the FDA in the treatment of drug-resistant depression, it may also be used off label for other disorders in the practice of medicine. These include dementia and other brain disorders.
We perform a quantitative EEG before modulation treatment starts in order to determine exactly the frequency of your brain.
MeRTSM stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. MeRTSM. It is a cutting edge treatment protocol which combines technologies of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS, an FDA cleared therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to analyze and formulate treatments that are tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern.
Most TMS treatments are used to deliver stimulation to one area of the brain at a fixed frequency for all patients, however MeRTSM is more evolved. Our MeRTSM is highly individualized as to frequency and location based on an initial thorough testing and evaluation. This customized, scientific approach is unique to each patient.
The patient’s initial testings are analyzed very carefully as to the brain’s pattern of function and activity. Through this detailed analysis we are able to determine the correct neural synchronization. This information is then used to devise a highly personalized protocol for each patient, with the purpose of encouraging improved brain communication. MeRTSM be used alongside other rehabilitation therapies. Many patients have reported that they experienced significant clinical improvements after undergoing this type of treatment.*
Treatment for dementia usually lasts 4-6 weeks with follow-up intervals as needed. Appointments are 30-45 minutes in length, Monday through Friday. Patients report they begin to notice the benefits of treatment within the first week.*
Brain Treatment Center – Dallas
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for more Information
When many patients come to see us, they have lost hope as they don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. It’s rewarding as a practitioner to be able to help so many people realize a much better “normal” and a greatly improved quality of life.
If you have questions or would like to discuss our Treatment Protocols, we offer a Free Consultation by phone. Our New Patient Coordinator will take the time to listen and explain. She is able to answer most questions and discuss our protocols, scheduling, fees and other information. She is happy to assist you in any way she can.
Please call us to get more information about how our clinic and Dr. Miller may be able to help you with your health goals and to schedule an an initial screening to see if MeRT may be an option.
Insurance Coverage
Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance, nor file it on your behalf. However, we can provide you with CPT codes and a billing breakdown that you may submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement for conditions that have been FDA-cleared such as Major Depressive Disorder and OCD. On occasion, individuals have been successful in receiving reimbursement for EEGs and clinical evaluations, and possibly other elements for treatment, depending on the individual’s coverage. It has been our experience that Medicare does not reimburse any of the treatment costs.
For conditions other than Major Depressive Disorder and OCD, because treatment is considered “off label,” insurance rarely reimburses any of the costs associated with treatment.
Starting as a New Patient
When you start as a new patient at the Brain Treatment Center Dallas, you will initially need two appointments, approximately two days apart. Both appointments will be about an hour in length. These appointments will be used to determine if Dr. Miller feels you can truly benefit from the MeRTSM [Magnetic e-Resonance Treatment] Program and, if so, to develop a tailored treatment plan based on your test results. Once you have done the testing and Consultation, you are not obliged to begin treatment. This is something that you will determine once you have seen your test results and consulted with Dr. Miller.
At the first appointment, we will go over your reasons for seeking help, your medical history, your health goals, and all of your symptoms. You will then begin initial testing, which will involve an EEG and an EKG. These are both completely painless and easy and are done right in our office. Your information and test results are then sent over to our scientific and clinical teams, who will carefully analyze the results and determine current state and functioning of the brain together with Dr. Miller.
We use a patented, scientific approach with the neurophysiological data gathered through testing to then develop a highly customized treatment plan that is aimed at encouraging healthy brain communication and function.
At your second appointment, you will meet with Dr. Miller for a Consultation. He will discuss your test results and whether or not he and our scientific team feel that results may be achieved for you through our treatment protocol. This appointment will also serve to answer any additional questions you may have. After that second appointment, Dr. Miller will lay out your individualized treatment plan and the protocols to be followed for best results. At that point you may discuss fees, length of treatment and schedules, and then decide whether to go forward and schedule your treatment.
Protocol Adjustments for COVID-19
The Brain Treatment Center – Dallas is remaining open for business, however, in accordance with the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control, and for the safety of our patients and our staff, we are implementing the following procedures effective immediately:
- We kindly ask that if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness, that you postpone your visit to The Brain Treatment Center until a time when you have been symptom-free for at least 14 days.
- We are unable to see any international patients until you are able to show proof that you have been in the country for at least 14 days. A passport stamp showing the date that you arrived, or a letter from your hotel will be considered acceptable proof.
- Our office will only see one patient at a time so that there is no physical contact between patients throughout the course of the day.
- Our staff will sterilize the clinic after each patient departs so that the next patient coming in will be entering in to a sterile environment.
- We ask that if you arrive early for your appointment, that you wait in your car until your designated appointment time, versus sitting in the waiting room.
- Dr. Miller is is able to provide you with a “virtual” consultation via Spruce or Skype, both of which are HIPPA compliant, and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
We value our patients, and want to make sure that you are still able to receive your treatment in a timely manner, however due to the concerns regarding the Corona Virus, or COVID-19, we ask that you please adhere to the temporary procedures that we have implemented for your safety and for our staff’s safety. Once we receive clearance from the CDC, we will return to business as usual.
Call our New Patient Coordinator at
214-972-0126
Or Fill in the Form below and we will contact you.
*The Results shown are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on individual user and are not guaranteed.