August 20, 2026 
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William "Wes" Alden, MD, PhD | Clinical Education Series
Neurodegenerative Care in New Orleans
By William “Wes” Alden, MD, PhD
Neurodegenerative diseases are hard on patients and families. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, other forms of dementia, and related conditions slowly affect memory, movement, and independence. People in the Greater New Orleans area often look for a doctor who understands both the science and the day-to-day realities of living with these illnesses.
I am an internist with a long-standing interest in neurodegenerative disease, the metabolic factors that influence brain health, and practical support for patients and families. My practice covers Metairie, New Orleans, and the Northshore communities of Mandeville and Covington.
What these conditions involve
Nerve cells gradually lose function and, over time, die. Early signs can be mild: a bit more forgetfulness, slightly slower movement, or small changes in personality. Later stages can limit independence. The common diagnoses include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive changes, vascular cognitive impairment, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mild cognitive impairment.
Metabolism, mitochondria, and lipids
Research keeps pointing to links between brain health and the rest of the body’s metabolism. Mitochondrial problems, low-grade inflammation, and changes in the fat composition of nerve-cell membranes show up in many models of neurodegeneration. These findings are interesting, but they have not yet produced approved peptide or lipid treatments that slow most common dementias.
A few agents are worth knowing about in context. Elamipretide is a mitochondria-targeting peptide approved for the rare condition Barth syndrome. Other mitochondria-derived peptides such as MOTS-c and humanin remain in the research stage. Omega-3 fats, especially DHA, form part of neuronal membranes and have been studied for cognitive and heart benefits. Prescription EPA has outcome data for heart-event reduction in high-risk patients. Medium-chain triglycerides and certain odd-chain fats are under study for metabolic effects, yet none of these is an approved treatment for dementia.
NAD levels tend to fall with age. Precursors are widely discussed, but solid proof that raising NAD slows neurodegenerative disease in people is still limited. Any conversation about these ideas belongs inside a careful medical discussion, not as self-treatment.
What an internist can do
Many patients first mention memory or movement changes in a primary-care setting. We look at the whole picture: blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, medications that can cloud thinking, sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, mood, and hearing or vision loss. Fixing the reversible pieces often improves function even when a progressive process is also present. I also stay in close contact with neurology and other specialists when that is needed.
When to get evaluated
Come in if memory problems keep interfering with daily life, if there is new confusion about time or place, if personality or judgment has changed, if new tremor or stiffness appears, or if language problems go beyond the occasional lost word. Early evaluation frequently turns up treatable factors and gives families time to plan.
Working together
Good care for these conditions rarely comes from one doctor alone. Neurology, therapy services, mental-health support, and community resources all play parts. Interest in peptides, mitochondrial support, NAD, and specialty lipids is reasonable from a research standpoint. Clinical use still has to follow the evidence and the regulations. Curiosity and caution belong together.
William “Wes” Alden, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist and internist. His career has included academic medicine, federal clinical research, community practice, and medical philanthropy. He works in the Greater New Orleans area, including Metairie, New Orleans, and the Northshore communities of Mandeville and Covington. His interests include metabolic health, integrative approaches, neurodegenerative conditions, and practical whole-person care. He emphasizes honest evidence and clear communication with patients and families.
This article is for general education and reflects Dr. Alden’s professional perspective. It is not medical advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Results vary from person to person. Many peptides, NAD products, and specialty lipids mentioned here are not FDA-approved for anti-aging, cognitive enhancement, or most of the wellness uses sometimes promoted. Material labeled for research use only should never be given to people. Please consult a qualified clinician about your own situation before starting any evaluation or treatment.
