Groundbreaking Research
Several months after the death of her husband, she sunk into a deep malaise. Physically healthy at 72, she seemed to lose interest even in her beloved grandchildren. Her son and daughter tried to get help through conventional therapy and medication. No improvement was evident. Eventually they brought her to Wesley Woods. Our enlightened specialists administered ECT therapy. She took the treatments easily, and her progress was quickly evident. After a series of sessions she regained her zest for life, family and friends...
Enlightenment is a way of looking at possibilities.
If we are to learn more about diseases affecting the elderly... if we are to prevent the burden of debilitating disease for future generations... research is crucial. And promising.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases are two of the most feared conditions affecting the elderly. Both are the subject of cutting-edge treatment and research conducted at Wesley Woods.
The results are encouraging. Studies in progress at Wesley Woods have led to treatments that can delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms for up to three years. This devastating condition affects 5 million Americans. Nearly half of adults over 85 suffer from the disease.
Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with the chronic and ever-worsening effects of Parkinson's Disease. Initiatives underway at Wesley Woods are regarded among the best in the world for this affliction.
Depression is the most under-appreciated frailty suffered by older adults. At our Fuqua Center for Late-life Depression, ongoing research and progressive treatments help to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at the Center participates in the Georgia telemedicine program, providing geriatric psychiatry evaluations to more than 30 rural communities.
These are just a sampling of the many efforts that are improving older adults' access to advances in care. The progress is promising. With more funding, it can be better.