Dementia vs. Alzheimer's

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Many people mistakenly use the terms dementia and Alzheimer's disease interchangeably, though the terms do not have the same meaning.  Alzheimer's disease is in fact the most common form of dementia, while dementia describes a collection of symptoms which may be but are not necessarily caused by Alzheimer's disease Confusion between the meanings of dementia and Alzheimer's disease stems from their similar symptoms, such as forgetfulness, time disorientation and a reduced ability to communicate effectively with others.  According to FamilyDoctor.com, “Dementia is a brain disorder that makes it hard for people to remember, learn and communicate. These changes eventually make it hard for people who have dementia to care for themselves. Dementia may also cause changes in mood and personality. Early on, lapses in memory and clear thinking may bother the person with dementia. Later, disruptive behavior and other problems can create a burden for caregivers and other family members.

Dementia is caused by the damage of brain cells. A head injury, stroke, brain tumor or disease (such as Alzheimer's disease) can damage brain cells and lead to dementia.

 

What is Alzheimer’s?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer’s disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it. Today we know that Alzheimer’s:

Is a progressive and fatal brain disease. As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

 

Is the most common form of dementia, a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Vascular dementia, another common type of dementia, is caused by reduced blood flow to parts of the brain. In mixed dementia, Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia occur together.

 

When a loved one is exhibiting symptoms of dementia, some people erroneously conclude that Alzheimer's disease is the cause. During this time it is critical to  seek out medical attention since some causes of dementia are treatable, making a distinction between the two and obtaining an accurate diagnosis for any condition that may exist may mean the difference between disease progression and treatment.