Dementia (senile) and Alzheimer’s are two diseases that are known to affect mainly the elderly. There is widespread confusion around these two conditions due to the similarity of their clinical pictures. Although both are similar, there are small but significant differences between having one and the other. Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
