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t m c » p u l s e | m ay 2 0 1 7 15 While there isn't treatment to reverse memory loss and dementia, the effects of Alzheimer's can be slowed with treatment and medication. Devall's doctor, Erin Hommel, M.D., assistant professor of geriatrics at UTMB, said one of the most important treatments is regular physical and mental exercise. Devall likes to give herself little tests everyday: While driving down the street, she will try to remember three things she sees. She also keeps in touch with loved ones and gets her extended family together at least once a year. She and her husband have six children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. "Patients are encouraged to com- plete advance directives while their mind remains sharp and decisional capacity is not affected," Hommel said. "After discussing stages of disease, importance of exercise, safety and legal considerations, then we discuss options for medical treatment of the disease. There are a few medications that have been shown to slow memory decline. A choice to start medications is made after consideration of risks and benefits for each patient. "Patients and their families may also be referred to community resources including electronic media to improve their understanding of the disease and to engage with others affected," she added. Devall likes to share her experiences with others in the same situation. She is a member of the Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, where she often speaks publically about her condition. UTMB is involved in the association, as well. Now in her fourth year of watercolor class, Devall likes to paint memories. Her most recent project is a tree in her front yard. At a recent class, she worked on blending purples and blues and browns together to get the right shade for the trunk. With her teacher's help, she painted the shadows of the tree limbs on the grass. Pointing to a section of the tree where a limb connects to the trunk, she said: "Here is where my great- grandchildren like to sit. I am painting this because I want to remember that." A Pear-fect Stay in Pearland 281.997.5970 • VisitPearland.com pearlandcvb@pearlandtx.gov Whether you're taking advantage of the world renowned Medical Center or events at NRG Park, Pearland offers a convenient solution for an affordable stay with great dining and shopping. Choose from 11 Pearland Hotels • Best Western • Candlewood Suites • Comfort Suites • Courtyard by Marriott • Hampton Inn by Hilton • Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center • Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2) • La Quinta Inn & Suites • Sleep Inn & Suites • SpringHill Suites by Marriott MEDICAL CENTER NRG STADIUM PEARLAND What life does to your body, we undo. $ 29 * Initial Visit includes consultation, exam & adjustment WALK-INS WELCOME NO INSURANCE NEEDED OPEN EVENINGS & WEEKENDS WEST U 3177 W. Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77025 (713) 588-0858 | thejoint.com *Offer valued at $39. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2017 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved. The problem with Alzheimer's is that the genetic component is limited—a small number of people have genetic risk factors for the dis- ease. If we could test spinal fluid, the eyes and eventually blood, it could tell us the best ther- apy. If we do this early enough, we could possi- bly halt the progress of Alzheimer's ... — RAKEZ KAYED, PH.D. Associate professor in the department of neurology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Devall paints a tree in her front yard from memory.