Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are two of the most commonly known, yet confusing, terms related to cognitive decline in the elderly. They are often used interchangeably, however, there is a significant difference between the two. This article will explain the differences between the two, and provide a brief quizlet to test understanding of the material.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe any impairments in memory, behavior, and thinking that are serious enough to impact a person's ability to complete daily activities. Dementia is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time, and it is caused by diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and vascular dementia. Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging, but it is more common in older adults.
What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects the memory and cognitive abilities of an individual. It is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for an estimated 50-80% of all cases. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects the brain, causing problems with language, motor control, and memory. Alzheimer's is characterized by a buildup of plaque in the brain that causes the death of brain cells and the destruction of nerve connections.
Differences
The main difference between dementia and Alzheimer's is that dementia is a broad term used to refer to a collection of symptoms that are caused by many different diseases, while Alzheimer's is a specific disease that is characterized by its own unique set of symptoms. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia, but not all forms of dementia are Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is characterized by a buildup of plaque in the brain that leads to cell death, while other forms of dementia may be caused by other factors.
Alzheimer's also progresses much more quickly than other forms of dementia, and its symptoms tend to be more severe. Alzheimer's can also cause personality changes, such as apathy and aggression, that are not seen in other forms of dementia. Finally, Alzheimer's can be diagnosed with a definitive test, while other forms of dementia can only be confirmed through observation and diagnosis.
Treatment
The treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's depends on the underlying cause. For Alzheimer's, there is no cure, but medications can be used to slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms. These medications are known as cholinesterase inhibitors, and they work by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine, which helps improve communication between brain cells. Other treatments for Alzheimer's include behavioral therapies, activity programs, and environmental strategies.
For other forms of dementia, treatments may include medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies to help improve symptoms. Treatment of dementia is largely focused on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease, as there is no definitive cure.
Prevention
A healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce the risk of developing dementia. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Keeping the brain active through activities such as reading, puzzles, and games can also help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Finally, keeping up with regular medical checkups can help identify potential problems early on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dementia and Alzheimer's disease are two of the most common causes of cognitive decline in the elderly. While both are progressive diseases that can lead to memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes, there are distinct differences between them. Dementia is an umbrella term used to refer to a number of diseases, while Alzheimer's is a specific form of dementia. Treatment for the two conditions vary, but the best way to reduce the risk of developing either is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.