Dementia and Alzheimer's are both brain-related conditions. Therefore, it is difficult for the patients to deal with the state of memory, work, and explore more brain activities. Though there are not a lot of differences between both conditions, we will check the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's. We will also look at the differences in treating either of these conditions. Though many medications are constant for both conditions, it will be best to consult a Psychiatrist.
What's the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's?
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are interconnected yet distinct concepts. Dementia is a broad term that explains a significant decline in mental ability, leading to difficulties performing daily activities. On the other hand, Alzheimer's disease is a specific and prevalent form of dementia, responsible for most dementia cases.
| Dementia | Alzheimer's | |
| Definition | Overall mental decline | Specific brain disease |
| Cause | Various conditions | Plaques & tangles in the brain |
| Symptoms | Memory Loss and Impaired Thinking | Memory Loss and Confusion |
| Reversibility | Sometimes | No - progressive |
| Example | Vascular Dementia & Lewy body Dementia | Most common type of Dementia |
Understanding the concepts of Dementia Versus Alzheimer's
1. Dementia Overview
Dementia is the name of the group of brain diseases that often makes it difficult for readers to make it hard to remember things, think clearly, make correct decisions or even control their emotions. Dementia is the same as simple memory mishaps like forgetting someone's number or where one has hard times with at least two of the following the-.
- Memory communication
- Speech Communication
- Focus and concentration issues
- Reasoning and Judgment problems
- Visual perception problems
- Difficulty understanding the changes in the color
- Difficulty detecting the movements or seeing the difference in the things that are not there.
Since some types of dementia can share the dementia signs and symptoms, it can be challenging for the doctor to figure out which one you or your loved ones have. Be sure to tell them the symptoms, cost of medications, and interaction with drugs and alcohol use. Previous illnesses can help them to make the correct diagnosis. Dementia can be vascular dementia, the second most common type of dementia that causes progressive damage to the brain, and due to blood vessels damage or blockages that can lead to strokes and brain bleeding.
Whereas in Alzheimer's, memory loss can have typical first symptoms and different signs depending on the area of the brain and can be affected, such as problems with planning or judgments. The FDA has approved the use of any drugs to treat these types of dementia, but there can be different ways of keeping the brain and blood vessels healthy and preventing any future damage to the blood vessels. These damages can include difficulty exercising, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and not smoking. Dementia with Lewy bodies can cause clumps of protein in the brain's cortex, which can handle learning and memory.
2. Alzheimer's Overview -
Alzheimer's disease has many different problems and can be another cause of dementia. It can become more challenging to have a conversation with Alzheimer's patients and to do everyday activities and tasks. A doctor will say that Alzheimer's with absolute certainty while others can see it for sure. This can include testing humans' attention, memory, language, and vision and looking at their brain images to check the working of the brain. These images are taken with an MRI machine and can be used in powerful magnetic and radio waves to make detailed pictures and plans for dealing with Alzheimer's.
Common symptoms of Alzheimer's
- Trouble remembering names, events, or conversations
- Problems concentrating
- Personality changes, like not caring about things you used to, mistrust of others, or aggression
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Impaired judgment or decision making
- Confusion
Treating methods for Alzheimer's vs. Dementia
There are no cures for Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia. There are overlapping factors in both the condition and the focus of the treatment, and managing the symptoms can help prevent the disease from getting worse. Treatments for Dementia versus Alzheimer's can overlap.
Some of the treatment options for these kinds of situations are mentioned here-
- Cholinesterase inhibitors can help with memory loss in certain types of dementia and Alzheimer's.
- Glutamate can help in learning memory in both dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
- Sleep medications can also help with sleep changes.
- Antidepressants can help with depression symptoms.
- Antipsychotic drugs can help with behavioral changes in the condition.
Some types of dementia can respond to treatments depending on the factors that cause them like
- Stop using drugs and alcohol
- Use a B12 supplement in case this vitamin is deficient.
- Treating hydrocephalus and getting blood sugar levels under control.
Online Test For Dementia And Alzheimer's
Online tests for Dementia and Alzheimer's diseases detect early symptoms of thinking, cognitive, and memory impairments. It helps analyze your thinking abilities which enables the healthcare professionals to have a clear understanding of your brain functioning.
There are many websites available on the internet that offer self-assessment tests online. You need to answer a few questions related to your language, memory, reasoning, computation, and problem-solving. The result of this test helps medical professionals evaluate who is at risk of developing these diseases. Based on your score, they may schedule some follow-up tests if needed.
Conclusion-
This blog looked at the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's. First, we looked at the different symptoms of the condition and then if there were any differences in their treatment. If you are worried about the state of Alzheimer's or dementia, it will be best to get in touch with your doctor or psychiatrist, as they can help you and your family members in dealing with these conditions. People in the advanced stages of either of the diseases should look for facilities to get admitted as they can expect better care in those centers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can be why someone who has dementia wants to go home?
When a person with dementia needs to go home, they can sense the home rather than the home itself. Home may represent the same memories of a place and time and can be comfortable and secure where they can feel relaxed and happier. However, it can also be a place that does not exist.
What is the most common cause of death in dementia patients?
An infection like pneumonia can cause the most common cause of death in dementia patients, and a person during the later stages of dementia can have symptoms that can suggest they are close to the end and can be happening for many months.
How can you tell if you have Alzheimer's or dementia?
Memory problems can be the first sign of both diseases. There can be a decline in the person's memory, and one can find the right word for the same can be understanding the visual or spatial relationships. Flawed reasoning or judgment can sign Alzheimer's disease.
Is Dementia and Alzheimer's hereditary?
Having a first-degree relative with Alzheimer's increases an individual's risk, but there are both genetic and environmental factors that contribute to developing dementia and Alzheimer's.
What medication for Dementia and Alzheimer's?
The medications most commonly prescribed for dementia and Alzheimer's are cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, which aim to improve cognition and manage symptoms.
How to prevent alzheimer disease and dementia?
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, regular exercise, managing cardiovascular health, and adopting a Mediterranean diet may help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's?
Dementia is the mental ability decreased enough to interfere with daily life activities, whereas Alzheimer's is the loss of memory that can happen over periods.
What are the stages of dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
The stages progress from mild to moderate to severe as symptoms worsen over time.
How do doctors test for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias?
Testing for Alzheimer's and Dementia: Doctors use memory, thinking, and brain imaging tests to diagnose different types of dementia including Alzheimer's.
What kind of care do people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease require?
Caring for dementia and Alzheimer's patients requires creating a safe environment and providing help with daily activities as abilities decline.
Are online tests accurate for detecting dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Online tests can help check for symptoms but cannot officially diagnose dementia or Alzheimer's like a doctor can.
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