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Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition that profoundly impacts individuals and their families

Alzheimer's Treatment

Learn more about Leqembi, an Alzheimer's treatment recently approved by the FDA through the Accelerated Approval pathway, aimed at slowing down disease progression.

Learn More

What Is Azheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. While age is the primary risk factor, Alzheimer’s can affect individuals of all ages, though it is more prevalent in older adults.

Key Features:

Cognitive Decline: Alzheimer’s disease typically begins with subtle memory problems and difficulty concentrating. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience significant impairments in reasoning, language, and problem-solving abilities.


• Memory Loss: One of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, particularly short-term memory. Individuals may struggle to remember recent events, conversations, or important information.
• Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: Alzheimer’s can also manifest in changes in mood, behavior, and personality. This may include agitation, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
• Functional Impairment: As Alzheimer’s advances, individuals may struggle with performing daily tasks independently, such as managing finances, preparing meals, or maintaining personal hygiene.
• Brain Changes: Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These changes disrupt communication between nerve cells and lead to neuronal death, contributing to cognitive decline.

Diagnosis and Management:

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial for implementing appropriate interventions and support services. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, cognitive assessments, neurological exams, and imaging tests.


While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, various treatments and interventions can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. These may include:

• Medications: Certain medications, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, are approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs can help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain and alleviate symptoms.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on cognitive function and overall well-being. This includes regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and social engagement.
• Supportive Services: Individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers may benefit from accessing support services, including counseling, support groups, respite care, and community resources.
• Advanced Therapies: Ongoing research is exploring novel therapies and interventions for Alzheimer’s disease, including immunotherapy, gene therapy, and stem cell therapy. While these treatments are still in development, they hold promise for future advancements in the field.

Your Path to Help

At the Napa Pain Institute, we are committed to providing treatment to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals collaborates to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate care, we strive to empower individuals affected by Alzheimer’s to live fulfilling and meaningful lives despite the challenges they may face.

Alzheimer's Treatment

Learn more about Leqembi, an Alzheimer's treatment recently approved by the FDA through the Accelerated Approval pathway, aimed at slowing down disease progression.

Learn More

Real Stories of Hope & Healing

Our Patients share their journeys

David B.

“She changed the quality of my life so drastically and in such a positive way I can honestly tell people that she and Napa Pain Institute changed my life.”

Carolyn C.

“I highly, highly recommend Napa Pain Institute for anyone dealing with chronic or acute pain. They will find you a solution. And they are all wonderful.

Bruce F.

“I would easily give them and their facility the highest rating. They care and you are always treated with respect”.

Jeff B.

"I transferred to Napa Pain Institute 3 years ago and it was the best thing I have ever done."

Connect With Us Now – Your Path to Comfort Begins Here

Begin Your Path to Pain-Free Living Now!

Neurovations, a patient care and innovation company, was founded in 1992 by CEO Dr. Eric Grigsby. We are a national leader in medical device and pharmaceutical innovation, clinical research, and a world-class education program focusing on pain and neuroscience. Dr. Grigsby is deeply connected to the healthcare community through our non-profit HealthRoots Foundation.

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DR. MELANIE D. JOHANSSON, MD, FACEP

Dr. Johansson comes to us as a fellowship-trained and board-certified pain management specialist with nearly a decade of experience. She completed her fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD where she then became the associate program director of the pain medicine fellowship and an assistant professor of military and emergency medicine. She graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia, was Pre-medicine at San Diego State University, and received her BSN from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Her breadth of experience comes from a full career of serving in the United States Navy where she was the recipient of multiple academic and military service awards including a Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and numerous other individual, unit, and campaign awards. She has multiple published works and is the founding member of a military Pain Medicine Special Interest Group with the American Society of Regional Anesthesia.

In her free time, Dr. Johansson enjoys traveling, is newly married, loves dogs, and enjoys cooking and baking, as well as other creative pursuits. She has a particular interest in advanced procedural techniques for chronic pain relief and the effects of lifestyle on pain and healing. She looks forward to continuing our mission of providing our patients with the best care, every day.

Eric Grigsby, MD, MBA

CEO & Founder of Neurovations

Dr. Eric Grigsby enjoys a national reputation for excellence in the field of Pain Management. He has a background as a researcher, teacher and clinician and brings over 30 years of clinical experience to the Napa Pain Institute. Dr. Grigsby attended elementary and secondary school in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Economics from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He formed an interest in Pain Management as a career while working at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

After graduating from Boston University Medical School in 1984, Dr. Grigsby trained in General Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Pain Management at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was invited to join the Medical Staff and teach at the Mayo Medical School until moving to California in 1989. The Dean of the University of California at Davis Medical Center then invited Dr. Grigsby to establish their first Pain Management Center, where he served as Medical Director until 1992. Following his post at UC Davis, Dr. Grigsby established his private Pain Management practice in Napa, California.

Today, he and his staff of over 50 professionals consult with patients throughout Northern California and the western United States.  More recently, Dr Grigsby completed his Masters in Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He speaks nationally on topics such as non-operative treatment of spinal disorders, the safe use of medications for the treatment of pain, and the legal and regulatory issues relating to the proper treatment of patients with chronic illness.