Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s with Similarities comparison table and FAQs
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
In this article we will provide you the information about the Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer‘s with Similarities and comparison table and FAQs.
What does Alzheimer’s mean?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative form of senile dementia that affects the brain. It is characterized by the gradual loss of short-term memory, as well as disorders in thinking, language, perception and behavior. The exact cause is not known, but it is believed to be related to genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include spatial and temporal disorientation, problems remembering recent events or proper names, difficulties making appropriate decisions, and changes in mood or personality. Treatment consists mainly of medications to relieve symptoms; However, there is no cure available so far for Alzheimer’s disease .
What does dementia mean?
Dementia is a neurological disorder that causes a progressive loss of cognitive functions, such as memory, judgment, and the ability to think . This means that patients with dementia have difficulty doing simple everyday activities, such as remembering names or addresses. As the disorder progresses, alterations occur in the patient’s behavior as well as intellectual disability and emotional problems. Dementia has no cure, although there are drugs to improve the symptoms and some appropriate care helps minimize them. Experts recommend early interventions to contribute to the quality of life of the patient and her family.
Similarities between Alzheimer’s and dementia
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are two neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the loss of cognitive functions . Both mainly affect language, memory, the ability for abstract thinking and fine motor skills. With both diseases there is a gradual and irreversible decline in the patient’s mental state. Key symptoms of both pathologies include problems with judgment, confusion, behavioral changes, and intellectual decline. The fundamental difference between dementia and Alzheimer‘s , however, is that the former have several causes while Alzheimer’s is a particular type of dementia whose exact cause is still unknown.
| Dementia | Alzheimer’s | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Dementia is a chronic-progressive syndrome that involves a considerable decrease in cognitive function. This affects the abilities to think, remember, and reason. In addition, communication, intellect, behavior, judgment, and sense of direction are affected. A person with dementia may have trouble carrying out everyday tasks independently. Therefore, dementia is a condition that prevents the sufferer from leading a normal life. | Alzheimer‘s is the best known form of dementia. It can be said that it is a type of dementia, in fact. It is a neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects memory, thinking and behavior. As neurons die and different areas of the brain atrophy, the disease worsens. After diagnosis, the patient is expected to live an average of 10 years. However, as it is a degenerative process, it is imperative that the patient be provided with a good quality of life. |
| Symptoms |
| |
| Treatment | Although there is no cure for dementia, there are a number of treatments that can significantly improve the quality and life expectancy of the patient. It is worth mentioning that despite its severity, dementia is not as unforgiving as Alzheimer‘s. Although, for those who suffer from it and those around them it can be overwhelming, the truth is that with the proper treatment the patient can live a dignified life. It is important, however, to surround the person with a stable, understanding, tolerant and loving environment. Keeping the person busy with simple activities can be a good way to help them feel good about themselves. | Despite the absence of a known cure, it is possible to improve the patient’s quality of life. There are, for example, some medications that inhibit some enzymes responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters that affect memory and other cognitive functions. It is necessary that a doctor is the one who supports the treatment, as these medicines can have serious adverse effects. It is also recommended to surround the person with a peaceful environment. The family plays a very important role and it is recommended that the patient be given the greatest possible stability. There are also some cognitive-behavioral therapies whose purpose is to reduce cognitive distortions. |
| Forecast | Dementia itself has no cure, nor can its progressive evolution be reversed. | Alzheimer’s also has no cure and is considered a terminal disease. |
Frequent questions about Dementia and Alzheimer’s
How does Alzheimer’s start in a person?
Alzheimer’s begins with a gradual loss of short-term memory. This is usually the first visible sign of the disorder, and manifests itself as frequent forgetfulness, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and even remembering proper names. Some people living with Alzheimer’s experience confusion about time and place, problems speaking or understanding others; Socially inappropriate behavior and sudden mood swings may also occur. The severity of these symptoms varies depending on the individual.
How long does a person with Alzheimer’s live?
The average lifespan for a person with Alzheimer‘s varies depending on the level of involvement. People with the disease usually survive between 3 and 10 years, but some can live up to 20 years or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What causes Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive loss of memory, thinking and cognitive skills. It is thought to be caused by the buildup of amyloid plaques and abnormal neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This affects human language Is structured In my view may be very complexed giving it uniqueness and its distinctiveness. Typically, communication between neurons, leading to gradual deterioration of brain functioning.
What is Alzheimer’s and its stages?
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. It is characterized by the progressive death of brain cells. People with this disease gradually lose their abilities to remember things, communicate, or perform simple tasks. The main stages of Alzheimer’s are: 1) Mild stage: The person has problems remembering names and addresses, they are easily confused when performing simple activities and often repeat questions. 2) Moderate stage: Memory lapses increase; there is spatial and temporal disorientation; They have difficulties identifying family members; they may need help with bathing or eating; they lose previous interests and inclinations; They present agitation and anxiety. 3) Severe stage: They do not recognize family or friends; cannot dress or care for themselves, require constant assistance during all basic daily activities (eating, walking); They present extreme emotional disorders (anxiety, depression).
What causes dementia?
Dementia is a serious brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, judgment, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. There are many different causes of dementia. Some risk factors include vascular disease (stroke or heart disease), Alzheimer’s (a degenerative brain disease), Parkinson’s (a neurodegenerative condition), repeated strokes, substance abuse, and severe traumatic brain injuries. Infections such as meningitis and other medical problems related to the immune, digestive or endocrine systems can also contribute to developing a form of dementia.
How does a person with dementia behave?
A person with dementia may exhibit a variety of behaviors, from mood changes to problems communicating effectively. Some common symptoms include social withdrawal, irritability or agitation, mental confusion, and difficulty remembering recent things. Family members should be tolerant and patient in dealing with the situation and seek professional help if the behaviors become excessively unpredictable or dangerous.
What types of dementia are there?
The main types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, alcohol-related cognitive impairment, Huntington’s disease, and other degenerative disorders.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
The difference between Alzheimer‘s and dementia is that Alzheimer’s is one of the most common forms of dementia. Dementia refers to a group of symptoms related to significant impairment in several important areas of cognitive functioning, such as memory, abstract thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer’s is a particularly aggressive and degenerative form of dementia that generally first affects patients over 65 years of age. As it progresses into later stages, it causes progressive and irreversible loss of brain function until finally resulting in the death of the patient.