People often get confused between the terms \u2018dementia\u2019 and \u2018Alzheimer\u2019s disease,\u2019 with many thinking that these are interchangeable terms. However, while Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a form of dementia, there are many other different types of dementia that arise from a different cause.<\/p>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s Disease:<\/strong> Alzheimer\u2019s disease is just one type of dementia. In fact, it is the most common type of dementia<\/a>, being responsible for about 50-70% of all cases of dementia. Alzheimer\u2019s disease gets worse with time and affects memory, language, and thought.<\/p>\n
While the symptoms of the different type of dementia often overlap, it is important to distinguish between them to ensure the person living with the condition is receiving the correct advice and treatment.<\/p>\n
Dementia is officially classed as a syndrome. A \u2018syndrome\u2019 is the name for a group of symptoms that doesn\u2019t have a definite diagnosis. With dementia, these symptoms affect cognitive tasks, most often the person\u2019s memory and reasoning skills. Dementia can occur as a result of a number of conditions, with Alzheimer\u2019s disease being the most common. In some cases, people will develop more than one type of dementia, known as mixed dementia<\/a>. As a person\u2019s dementia progresses, it will increasingly impact their ability to function and carry out daily activities.<\/p>\n
In many cases, symptoms of dementia start off mild, typically beginning with moments of forgetfulness. This will then often progress to the point where the person has difficulty keeping track of time, and they may start losing their way in places that are familiar to them.<\/p>\n
The person\u2019s levels of forgetfulness and\u00a0confusion typically grow as dementia progresses, and they may start finding it difficult to remember names and faces \u2013 even of close family members and people they have known for a long time. Personal care is likely to suffer, and the person may start repeating themselves more often and experience poor decision-making. In the most advanced stage of dementia, the person is unlikely to be able to look after himself or herself.<\/p>\n
Dementia occurs when certain brain cells are damaged and is more likely to develop as we get older. There are a number of conditions that can\u00a0cause dementia, including degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s, Parkinson\u2019s and Huntington\u2019s. Sometimes, conditions caused by an infection, HIV, mineral deficiencies, dehydration or depression are diagnosed as dementia because the symptoms can be similar. If treated symptoms can be relieved. It is therefore important to make sure that correct diagnoses are made and treated.<\/p>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a progressive disease of the brain that causes impairment in memory and cognitive function over time. The exact cause of Alzheimer\u2019s disease is not known, and there is currently no cure. Symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease will generally begin after the age of 60; however, in some cases, younger people will develop Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n
With Alzheimer\u2019s disease, damage to the brain typically starts many years before symptoms appear, as abnormal protein deposits form\u00a0plaques and tangles\u00a0in the brain<\/a>. This causes connections between cells to be lost, and they begin to die.<\/p>\n
The symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, apathy, depression, diminished judgement, disorientation, confusion, changes in behaviour, and in later stages of the disease, difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking.<\/p>\n
In order to make a diagnosis, health professionals have to look at the specific symptoms experienced by the patient. Other types of dementia may share some of the symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease but will include or exclude others that allow for a diagnosis. For example, people with dementia due to Parkinson\u2019s or Huntington\u2019s disease are more likely to experience involuntary movement in the early stages of the disease. This is not the case with Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
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If you\u2019re concerned that you or your loved one are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease or dementia, it is important to seek advice from your doctor or health professional. While there is currently no cure, starting treatment quickly can help to manage symptoms more effectively so that you can focus on a good quality of life.<\/p>\n
We hope that this article has provided some useful insight into dementia and, in particular Alzheimer\u2019s disease. If you\u2019re caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Brain Sparks\u2019\u00a0Dementia Live\u00ae<\/a>\u00a0experience may be of benefit to you. This workshop immerses carers in the experience of living with dementia to give them powerful insights for effectively communicating with those in their care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"