While both can be devastating to discover at the doctor's office, dementia and Alzheimer's disease have some notable differences. Alzheimer's and dementia are frequently used interchangeably, but there's one important difference. Alzheimer's is a specific condition that a patient is diagnosed with, while dementia is a group of symptoms caused by a disease like Alzheimer's. In fact, when someone is showing signs of dementia, Alzheimer's Disease is the most likely culprit. Nearly 6 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's Disease at any given time, with the majority being over 75 years of age at the time of diagnosis. While early onset Alzheimer's does exist, older patients are much more likely to be diagnosed than those who are younger.
The main symptom of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia is memory loss. A person exhibiting symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's will progressively experience memory loss. It may begin as them forgetting certain details, recent events, or prior conversations. It is normal to have occasional lapses in memory, but someone with Alzheimer's or dementia will have memory loss that interferes with their daily life. Since Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease, other symptoms will be noticed over time. This may include:
There are many other conditions that can cause dementia or Alzheimer's type symptoms. It's important to discuss with a doctor if you or a loved one begins to experience memory loss or other symptoms.
Certain risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease include:
Unfortunately, when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia caused by Alzheimer's, the condition is irreversible. If another condition is found to be causing someone's dementia , it could very well be treatable. There are medications available to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. One of the medications allows the brain cells to communicate with one another, despite the fact that the brain is depleting the chemical that allows cells to do this function. Others help slow disease progression in moderate or severe cases of Alzheimer's disease.
If someone is experiencing mood or behavioral issues, antidepressants might be prescribed by a doctor. It's important that someone with Alzheimer's be surrounded by photos of loved ones, as well as living in a safe environment that provides a sense of normalcy despite their diagnosis. Medical alert bracelets may be necessary for an Alzheimer's patient, in addition to installing safety features in the home like sturdy handrails and smoke detectors.
There are some people that use alternative remedies for dementia like Vitamin E, gingko, melatonin, Omega 3 fatty acids, exercise, good nutrition, and social activities. While there is no evidence to support alternative medicine, there is no harm in trying something out if it could make someone feel better as long as it’s something natural and safe.
