What's the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease?

What is Dementia?

Dementia refers to a brain disorder where an individual who has it experiences memory loss, or has difficulty thinking as well as controlling emotions.

Damage to the brain cells is what leads to dementia. It is basically not a disease. Hence, it is an umbrella term that covers a wider range of symptoms that make it hard for patients to perform their everyday tasks normally.



According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is a specific brain disease while dementia is a general term for cognitive impairment.

Simple memory errors, such as forgetting someone's name or where you put your car keys are not the only symptoms of dementia. However, a person who has it could have issues in at least two of the following:

The most prevalent type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. However, it has more than one type. Hence, it can have many forms including:

Symptoms and causes of dementia depends on several factors. However, some of its specific symptoms may include:

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors of Dementia

Age - As you get older, especially beyond age 65, the risk of getting dementia increases. It is important to note, though, that dementia does not only occur in older adults but it can also happen to younger people.

Family History - If dementia runs in your family, you may have a higher chance of getting it too. However, not all people with a family history experience its symptoms. To confirm, you can do tests to see if you have particular genetic mutations.

Down Syndrome - It is common in individuals with Down Syndrome to have dementia in their middle ages.



Modifiable Risk Factors of Dementia

Diet and Exercise - While there is no specific diet that can lower its risks, research shows that those who eat poorly can develop dementia compared to those who live healthily.

Alcohol Consumption - Large alcohol consumption has long been linked to altered brain chemistry. Alcohol use disorders were found to be associated with an elevated risk of dementia, particularly early-onset dementia.

Depression - Although it is yet unclear, other research reports late-life depression can trigger occurrence of dementia.

Head Trauma - The prevalence of dementia was shown to be higher in patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and whose age are 50 years and above.

Sleep Disturbances - Those who have sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances have a higher risk of dementia.

Drugs that may impair memory - Other over-the-counter drugs can make your memory worse because of how strong their chemical structures are, which is why this risk factor can be a great contributor to dementia.



Diagnosis

Although there is no test to identify it in a person, doctors can perform various examinations to distinguish other types of dementia that are unique to each type.



How is Dementia Treated?

Treatment of dementia will depend on its causes. They also currently do not have any cure. Though, there are non-drug treatments and cognitive training that can manage symptoms of dementia. Memory games can also help enhance cognitive function and provide a non-drug approach to managing symptoms of dementia.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. And as reported, 60 to 80 percent of its instances are actually caused by Alzheimer's disease.

The specific disease is known to cause progressive damage to the brain cells. Initially, the person who has it could experience Amnesia (loss of memories). And as the disease progresses, it can eventually lead the person to lose his environmental awareness.

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