Differences Between Alzheimer’s And Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably as many people believe that one means the other. In fact, the distinction between Alzheimer’s Vs Dementia diseases discover how the two diagnoses, while related, are remarkably different. This is why the two similar diseases are often mixed up in every day conversation and understanding. According to the National Institute on Aging Dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and performance of daily activities and Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language.
What Is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease of the brain that slowly impairs memory and cognitive function. According to the Centre for Disease Control, Alzheimer’s disease is a common cause of dementia causing as many as 50 to 70% of all dementia cases. In fact, Alzheimer’s is a very specific form of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include impaired thought, impaired speech, and confusion. Doctors use a variety of screenings to determine the cause of dementia including blood tests, mental status evaluations and brain scans.
What is Dementia?
Dementia isn’t a disease. It’s a group of symptoms that affect mental tasks like memory and reasoning. Dementia can be caused by a variety of conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms including impaired thinking and memory. It is a term that is often associated with the cognitive decline of aging. However, issues other than Alzheimer’s can cause dementia. Other common causes of dementia are Huntingdon Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Dementia is a problem of the brain that you’re more likely to develop as you age. Early symptoms of dementia can be mild and easily overlooked. As dementia progresses, it can have a devastating impact on the ability to function independently. It’s a major cause of disability for older people, and places an emotional and financial burden on families and caregivers.
Difference Between Alzheimer’s And Dementia
When a person is diagnosed with dementia, they are being diagnosed with a set of symptoms. This is similar to someone who has a sore throat. Their throat is sore but it is not known what is causing that particular symptom. It could be allergies, strep throat, or a common cold. Similarly, when someone has dementia they are experiencing symptoms without being told what is causing those symptoms. Another major difference between the two is that Alzheimer’s is not a reversible disease. It is degenerative and incurable at this time. Some forms of dementia, such as a drug interaction or a vitamin deficiency, are actually reversible or temporary. Once a cause of dementia is found appropriate treatment and counselling can begin. Until a proper diagnosis is made, the best approach to any dementia is engagement, communication and loving care. These are the differences between Alzheimer’s Vs Dementia.
