Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are often used interchangeably to describe a host of symptoms and issues related to the health and function of a person's brain. But while these 2 conditions may share some similarities, they are not the same. As some of the most common complications in seniors, it's essential to understand the subtle differences between dementia and Alzheimer's disease to ensure your senior loved one receives the care and treatment necessary to live a comfortable and happy life.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is an "umbrella," or generalized term, used to describe an array of symptoms that affect a person's memory, concentration, and other mental abilities. It is a syndrome rather than a disease, referring to groups of symptoms that occur together.
There are many different types of dementia, which can be characterized by cause as well as specific symptoms. Dementia can have effects on many functions of the brain, resulting in a variety of types. The types of dementia can include:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal disorders
- Huntington's disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Mixed dementia (multiple types of dementia)
- Wenicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Causes and Risk Factors
There are a variety of risk factors and causes related to dementia. The type of dementia a person has is often related to the cause of the brain damage. Though some types of dementia can have specific causes, many types do not. The largest risk factor in developing a form of dementia is age. It is estimated that nearly half of all people 85 years or older have been diagnosed with a type of dementia. Though dementia is also possible in younger people, it is very rare.
Dementia can be caused by the loss of brain cells or the presence of abnormal mutations of brain cells. This can be caused by specific events like a stroke or heart attack, as well as genetic mutations or infections. Other times, the cause is completely unknown.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dementia are characterized by their ability to affect the function of a person's brain. These symptoms tend to gradually get worse over time and as a person's age progresses. In many cases, without the presence of obvious damage like a stroke, dementia symptoms begin mildly. Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the type of dementia a person has, as well as the area of the brain the dementia is affecting.
The most common signs of dementia include:
- Distress or anxiety
- Decreased mood
- Disinterest or isolation
- Poor judgment or reasoning
- Difficulty in mobility
- Sleep disturbances
- Abnormal or inappropriate behavior
- Repeating oneself or becoming forgetful
- Mood swings or psychosis
- Changes in physical movement and ability
- Shaking, shuffling, and involuntary movements
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Without the presence of an immediate cause for damage in the brain, like a stroke or injury, it is possible to go many years before receiving a dementia diagnosis. This makes both diagnosing and treating dementia difficult, as significant damage may already be present. A physician may use symptoms, as well as medical history, mental status evaluations, and a slew of other tests to determine if a person has dementia.
The treatment for dementia is highly dependent on the type. While most types are progressive, meaning they get worse over time, and also incurable, some types that are caused by infections, deficiencies, or drug interactions may be temporary or even reversible.
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a specific type and cause of dementia, accounting for as much as 70% of all dementia patients. It is a progressive disease of the brain that causes dementia symptoms and damage over time. Unlike dementia, which can describe an array of symptoms, Alzheimer's targets specific areas of the brain, causing dementia and dementia-related symptoms.
Alzheimer's disease occurs when abnormal cells begin to form inside of the brain, causing connections between areas in the brain to fail. As these connections fail, damage to the brain presents itself in a variety of symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, but science indicates that certain people may be more likely to adopt Alzheimer's symptoms due to genetic disposition, as well as lifestyle habits. Though almost anyone can be diagnosed with this disease, the symptoms of Alzheimer's typically present themselves in people over the age of 60. Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's than men, but the risk for everyone continues to rise as age increases.
Symptoms
The signs of Alzheimer's typically begin very slowly, but in some cases can appear drastically quick. Very often, damage to the brain occurs months or years before symptoms begin to present themselves. And once symptoms begin to present themselves, they will progress and worsen.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can include:
- Forgetfulness or memory loss
- A decline in the ability to process information or make decisions
- Impairment with communication
- Depression, mood changes, and/or anxiety
- Impaired judgment, confusion, and disorientation
- Inability to remember important people, places, or things (in more advanced stages)
- A difficulty with walking, swallowing or speaking (in more advanced stages)
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Unlike some other forms of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is both progressive and incurable. And, as stated before, symptoms may become severe before a diagnosis is made because of the slow progression of the disease. A doctor will use a person's symptoms, mental evaluations, medical history, blood tests, as well as imaging tests to make a diagnosis. Though there is no cure, people with Alzheimer's can receive treatment options to help manage the disease's symptoms. These treatments can include medications for behavioral changes, memory loss, and depression, as well as remedies that aim to increase functionality within the brain. Though Alzheimer's disease cannot be cured, treatment is aimed at increasing the quality of life of the patient.
Education is key in diagnosing and treating dementia and Alzheimer's disease in seniors. If you believe your senior loved one may be in the throes of dementia, it is essential to seek the help of a medical professional as soon as possible. With proper care, seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's can live happy and fulfilling lives. Contact a Caring team near you to find out more about providing your senior loved one with the care they deserve!
