What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?

When you start to forget little things, such as misplacing items on a regular basis or forgetting where you are when you’re in an area that you are familiar with, it’s normal for people to worry and visit a doctor to confirm what the issue is.

In this scenario, a common question that’s asked by the patient or a loved one is whether they’re suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. What a lot of people don’t know is that an individual doesn’t usually suffer from one or the other.

The reason for this is that dementia isn’t actually a disease. Instead, it’s an overall term that is used to describe symptoms that cause an impact on someone’s memory.

Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form of dementia and it’s a disease that gets progressively worse over time. Both conditions can be contracted by young and older people and as you age, the risk of contracting dementia or Alzheimer’s increases.

Symptoms of both conditions tend to overlap, which can make it hard to distinguish them, but being able to do so is vital for treatment and management.

Many doctors find it difficult to explain the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s to patients, so to help make it clearer, here are the key differences between the two conditions.

Dementia

Dementia isn’t a disease, it’s actually a syndrome (a group of indicators that don’t have a definitive diagnosis).

It’s an umbrella term that is used to describe a number of symptoms, such as memory loss and a decline in the ability to socialise and function every day. The most common reason for its occurrence is Alzheimer’s disease.

There are a number of different types of dementia and there are certain conditions that contribute to it. An autopsy is the only way to confirm a case of mixed dementia. As you age, the risk of dementia development increases.

Conditions that can cause dementia include Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and other degenerative diseases. The destruction of brain cells is how dementia is caused. The brain cells that get destroyed vary depending on the condition.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is described as a progressive disease of the brain. It slowly causes the sufferer’s memory to become impaired and affects their cognitive function.

There is no cure available and the reason it happens is currently unknown. Younger people can develop Alzheimer’s, but in most cases, symptoms are usually seen after 60. Before the symptoms appear, damage to the brain would have already occurred.

Due to abnormal protein deposits, tangles and plaques form in the brain, which causes cells to lose connections and die. While the person is alive, diagnosis can never be 100% accurate.

An autopsy is the only way to confirm this disease, however, up to 90% of the time, specialists make a correct diagnosis.

Symptoms of Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

The symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s tend to overlap. Both conditions cause a reduction in the ability to think, impairment of memory and communications.

Even though some of the symptoms are the same, some differences can be found. Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s include difficulty in remembering recent conversations and/or events, depression, apathy, disorientation, impaired judgement, confusion, changes in behaviour and speaking, walking and swallowing difficulties.

Due to the different types of dementia, symptoms can vary. For example, symptoms of Lewy body dementia include hallucinations, problems with balance and insomnia, whereas people with dementia from Huntington’s or Parkinson’s may experience involuntary movements during the early stages.

Treatment of Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

There is no cure for either condition, but symptom management and treatment can be provided to patients.

Management for Alzheimer’s includes medication for behavioural problems, such as antipsychotics, memory loss medication, brain function boosting remedies, and medication for sleep problems and depression. Dementia can’t be reversed, but it can be treated.

The initial cause of dementia will determine what treatment is best.

For example, there is vascular dementia treatment available and this treatment will focus on preventing the amount of damage caused to the blood vessels in the brain, which in turn reduces the risk of a stroke. There are a number of services available to support people with dementia.

These services provide home health aides and caregivers. As the disease progresses, an assisted nursing home or living facility is usually necessary.

If you want to know more about dementia diagnosis and treatment, then you can learn more by visiting Dementech who are a clinical academic centre.

The outlook for people who suffer from dementia is entirely dependent on its direct cause. Some types can be reversed and managed, but in this present day, there is no cure.

Due to it being a terminal illness, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s and the length of time each stage lasts will vary upon the individual.

If you are worried that you are showing symptoms of either condition, then speak to your doctor as soon as you can. The sooner you start treatment, the more manageable the symptoms will be in return.

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