What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? – Donald S Marks MD PC

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the brain, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and changes in behavior and personality. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. The exact cause of Alzheimer's Disease is not fully understood, but it is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease typically start with mild memory problems and confusion and gradually worsen over time. These symptoms can include:

Memory loss, especially recent memories.
Difficulty with language and communication.
Impaired reasoning and judgment.
Changes in mood and behavior, such as agitation or depression.
Difficulty with tasks of daily living, such as dressing and bathing.

As the disease progresses, individuals may become unable to recognize loved ones or even perform basic self-care tasks. Alzheimer's Disease can have a profound impact on both patients and their families, as it is a chronic and incurable condition.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, there are medications and interventions to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for some individuals. Research into the causes and potential disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's Disease is ongoing, as scientists seek a better understanding of this complex condition, to actually slow down the disease process.

Elizabeth (Liz) Hitchings, Office Manager

Liz has been working for the practice for over 3 years. Prior to that she worked in skilled nursing facilities as a Life Enrichment Director/Dementia Practitioner. She loves supporting patients and their caregivers. Our practice offers expert level care in a community setting. Because of our association with an international research corporation we are also in a unique position to extend opportunities for treatments not otherwise available. She believes that it’s a pleasure to be a part of staff here who works as a team to provide education, support and as much as possible, a bit of amusement. Her goal is to help our patients maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

Kim Parker, Front Desk Coordinator

Years ago her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease then after taking care of her father her mother was diagnosed. She has worked in the medical field for over four decades as a Medical Biller but finds herself so fortunate to be working for this neurology practice as a Clinical Administrative Assistant in more of a “face to face” capacity with our patients. The years of experience supporting her mother through the disease was an education in what it takes to be a caregiver. She feels she developed more insight into what we can provide here to aid our patients and their support group. She feels she is especially blessed to be in an environment locally that can offer research trials that would not otherwise be accessible. She loves that the team here works to provide smiles every day to the ‘family’ that walks through our doors.

Morgan Tromblee, PA-C

Morgan Tromblee has been working in Alzheimer’s disease research as a sub-investigator with Dr. Donald Marks since 2022. She also works clinically in the outpatient neurology setting, primarily seeing patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She received her master’s at the MGH Institute of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program, and her bachelor’s in biology at the University of Vermont.

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Simpson, PA-C

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Simpson, PA-C

Elizabeth Simpson has been working in Alzheimer’s disease research as a sub-investigator with Dr. Donald Marks since 2021. She also works clinically in the outpatient neurology setting, primarily seeing patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Lizzy received her master’s degree in medical science at the Tufts University Physician Assistant Program, and her bachelor’s degrees at Providence College.

Kinan Hreib MD, PhD, MBA, Neurologist

Kinan Hreib MD, PhD, MBA, Neurologist

Dr. Hreib obtained his MD, Ph.D. and M.B.A. From Boston University and was trained in medicine and Neurology at Boston University Medical Center and Boston City Hospital. His professional life as a neurologist began at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA, where he was the director of Vascular Neurology for over twenty years, after which he became the chief of Neurology at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA before becoming the Chief Medical Officer for Baystate Health North. Dr. Hreib continued to see patients as a neurologist while the chief medical executive and later decided to join Donald Marks clinic on neurodegenerative disease in Plymouth.

Donald S. Marks, MD, Neurologist

Donald S. Marks, MD, Neurologist

For over 30 years, Dr. Marks has focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically in the areas of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Marks has been the Principal Investigator (PI) in over 40 clinical trials with numerous pharmaceutical and imaging companies as well as with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Marks is a member of the medical staff at the Beth Israel Lahey Health Hospital (BILH) Plymouth and the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. He is the founding Medical Director for the Division of Neurology at the BILH Plymouth.

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Basic Biology

MRI changes in the brain as the disease progresses

Unraveling Alzheimer's

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Jody Hiltz, Front Desk Coordinator

Elizabeth (Liz) Hitchings, Office Manager

Kim Parker, Front Desk Coordinator

Morgan Tromblee, PA-C

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Simpson, PA-C

Kinan Hreib MD, PhD, MBA, Neurologist

Donald S. Marks, MD, Neurologist