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You might think that Alzheimer's and dementia are simply different words for the same condition, but they aren't. Discover the key differences between Alzheimer's and dementia and find out why the two terms cause so much confusion
In a nutshell
Alzheimer's is a disease, dementia is not actually a disease but a collection of symptoms that occur when the brain cells stop working properly. You might also hear it described as a condition.
Three facts worth knowing
1. Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that people with various brain disorders might have with their memory, language and thinking. Alzheimer's disease is the best known of these brain disorders and the most common cause of dementia.
2. Around 850,000 people in the UK have dementia. Alzheimer's disease affects almost 500,000 of them.
3. There are around 200 types of dementia so being told you have dementia does not automatically mean you have Alzheimer's. For example, you may have another form of dementia such as vascular dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. Or you may have a mixture of several forms of dementia.
credit/source: https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-alzheimers-and-dementia/
“What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?”
We hear that all the time here at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. It’s a common question, and doctors can sometimes contribute to the confusion. It may be that physicians prefer to use the word “dementia” because the term Alzheimer’s can sound more overwhelming and frightening. But, the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may mean two very different things.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines dementia as:
“… [A] word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating (Alzheimer’s Symptoms). They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there.”
Learn about Early-Onset Dementia
Though Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, many different diseases can cause dementia. Drugs are available to treat some of these diseases.
Other Forms of Dementia:
TREATMENTS
Treating dementia vs. treating Alzheimer’s
Treatment for dementia will depend on the exact cause and type of dementia, but many treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s will overlap.
Alzheimer’s treatment
No cure for Alzheimer’s is available, but options to help manage symptoms of the disease include:
- medications for behavioral changes, such as antipsychotics
- medications for memory loss, which include cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil (Aricept) and rivastigmine (Exelon) and memantine (Namenda)
- alternative remedies that aim to boost brain function or overall health, such as coconut oil or fish oil
- medications for sleep changes
- medications for depression
Dementia treatment
In some cases, treating the condition that causes dementia may help. Conditions most likely to respond to treatment include dementia due to:
- drugs
- tumors
- metabolic disorders
- hypoglycemia
In most cases, dementia isn’t reversible. However, many forms are treatable. The right medication can help manage dementia. Treatments for dementia will depend on the cause.
For example, doctors often treat dementia caused by Parkinson’s disease and LBD with cholinesterase inhibitors that they also often use to treat Alzheimer’s.
Treatment for vascular dementia will focus on preventing further damage to the brain’s blood vessels and preventing stroke.
People with dementia can also benefit from supportive services from home health aides and other caregivers. An assisted living facility or nursing home may be necessary as the disease progresses.
OUTLOOK
Outlook for people with dementia vs. people with Alzheimer’s
The outlook for people with dementia depends entirely on the direct cause of the dementia. Treatments are available to make symptoms of dementia due to Parkinson’s manageable, but there isn’t currently a way to stop or even slow down the related dementia. Vascular dementia can be slowed down in some cases, but it still shortens a person’s lifespan. Some types of dementia are reversible, but most types are irreversible and will instead cause more impairment over time.
Alzheimer’s is a terminal illness, and no cure is currently available. The length of time each of the three stages lasts varies. The average person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s has an estimated lifespan of approximately four to eight years after diagnosis, but some people can live with Alzheimer’s for up to 20 years.
Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned that you have the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Starting treatment promptly can help you manage your symptoms.
credit.source: http://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease/difference-dementia-alzheimers?s_con_rec=false&r=0#Outlook6
How Are They Different?
When a person is diagnosed with dementia, they are being diagnosed with a set of symptoms. This is similar to someone who has a sore throat. Their throat is sore but it is not known what is causing that particular symptom. It could be allergies, strep throat, or a common cold. Similarly, when someone has dementia they are experiencing symptoms without being told what is causing those symptoms.
Another major difference between the two is that Alzheimer’s is not a reversible disease. It is degenerative and incurable at this time. Some forms of dementia, such as a drug interaction or a vitamin deficiency, are actually reversible or temporary.
Once a cause of dementia is found appropriate treatment and counseling can begin. Until a proper diagnosis is made, the best approach to any dementia is engagement, communication and loving care.
credit/source: http://www.alzheimers.net/difference-between-alzheimers-and-dementia/
Note: Please check all the sources' links for complete information and details.
Note: Please check all the sources' links for complete information and details.
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