Some memory changes are normal as people get older. What would be seen as “normal” if this were the case? Memory loss in older people typically affects their ability to learn new information or to retain information that has already been learned.
When discussing a decline in mental health, Dementia is a broad term, but Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain condition. A “type” of Dementia and a “cause” of Dementia have been claimed for Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss and a deterioration in reasoning abilities are indicators of Dementia. When addressing the similarities and distinctions between Alzheimer’s and Dementia, the terms are frequently used interchangeably.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term used to characterize memory, thinking, or decision-making impairment, making it difficult to carry out daily responsibilities. Although Dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a normal part of ageing.
A deterioration in memory, thinking, or other cognitive abilities is associated with a set of symptoms known as Dementia. There are numerous causes of Dementia and numerous different forms of Dementia. When multiple types of Dementia affect the brain at once, the condition is known as mixed Dementia.
Ageing does not necessarily cause Dementia. Instead, it is caused by harm to brain tissue that prevents brain cells from communicating with one another, which impacts thinking, acting, and feeling. To determine whether there is a problem, a healthcare professional can run tests on attention, memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive capacities. Doctors can find an underlying cause with a physical examination, blood tests, and brain scans like a CT or MRI.
The method of treatment for Dementia depends on its underlying disease. Although neurodegenerative dementias like Alzheimer’s have no known cure, some medications can assist in maintaining brain health or reduce symptoms like anxiety or behavioural problems. In addition, there is continuing research to create more therapeutic alternatives.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, eating wholesome food, and maintaining social relationships, lowers the chance of developing chronic diseases and may reduce the number of people who have Dementia.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most known type of Dementia. The condition develops gradually, beginning with mild memory loss and possibly increasing to the loss of speech and sense of the surrounding environment. Alzheimer’s disease impacts the brain’s parts responsible for thought, memory, and environment. It can, therefore, seriously reduce a person’s ability to do daily chores.
Alzheimer’s disease is not always present in people who have Dementia. It involves receiving a diagnosis for a collection of symptoms, like a deterioration in judgment, memory, and thought. Dementia can be caused by various instances, such as stroke and substance abuse, not just Alzheimer’s. In addition to a physical examination and other tests, your doctor must perform specialized investigations like a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to diagnose Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is still incompletely defined by scientists. In addition, there are multiple causes, each of which can impact an individual differently.
The most frequently occurring risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is ageing. The onset of Alzheimer’s disease might be influenced by genetics. You may lower your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease by leading a healthy lifestyle. Adequate physical activity, a healthy diet, moderate alcohol use, and quitting smoking may benefit people.
Similarities Between Dementia and Alzheimer
Both Dementia and Alzheimer’s Can Not Be Prevented
Even though numerous research has been done and more are being done, there is currently no known way to stop or delay Dementia brought on by Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Increase your chances of lifelong brain health and keep your cognitive abilities for longer by identifying and regulating risk factors and making simple but effective lifestyle adjustments.
With Age, the Chance of Having Both Rises Age
ing is the biggest recognized risk factor for Dementia and Alzheimer’s, although these diseases are not a normal part of ageing. Although age raises the risk, Alzheimer’s or dementia disease is not directly caused by age, although the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases every five years after age 65.
Amyloid-beta, which causes Alzheimer’s, is routinely eliminated from healthy brains. However, as we age, our capacity to do so decreases. For instance, a healthy brain eliminates amyloid-beta every four hours in people in their 30s.
FAQ
What comes first, Alzheimer’s or Dementia?
Dementia is not one specific disease. Instead, it serves as a catch-all phrase for a group of signs brought on by physical disorders that affect the brain. Although Dementia is a general term, Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease type. The symptoms of Dementia that characterize it get worse over time.
Is Dementia always Alzheimer’s?
Dementia can have many distinct forms and origins, including Lewy body dementia, Dementia of the frontal lobe.
What are the 4 main types of Dementia?
The general term dementia is used to describe a variety of distinct brain disorders. The main 4 types of Dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular Dementia, Dementia of the frontal lobe, and Parkinson’s disease.
Can a person recover from Dementia?
Currently, Dementia has no “cure”. Unfortunately, there probably won’t be a single dementia cure because various illnesses bring on Dementia. The research aims to identify treatments for the illnesses that cause Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal Dementia, and Dementia with Lewy bodies.
Do you live longer with Alzheimer’s or Dementia?
The average lifespan of someone with Alzheimer’s disease is three to eleven years after diagnosis, but some people live for twenty years or longer. The length of life may vary depending on the disability at diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease progresses more quickly when vascular risk factors such as untreated hypertension are present.
Can vitamin D reverse dementia?
By increasing vitamin D levels, you could avoid 17% more dementia cases. Researches have significant implications for dementia risk in particular environments where vitamin D deficiency is relatively frequent.
How do doctors test for Dementia?
Doctors identify Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of Dementia based on a thorough medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and the specific cognitive, functional, and behavioural impairments unique to each type. These exams are used to evaluate both cognitive and physical abilities. These are balance, sensory response, reflexes, language, numeracy, problem-solving, and memory assessments.
How long does Dementia last before death?
A person with Dementia typically survives four to eight years following diagnosis. However, they can sometimes live up to 20 years, depending on various circumstances, because years before any symptoms of the disease appear, changes in the brain associated with dementia starts.
What is the most common cause of death in dementia patients?
Infected pneumonia is one of the most frequent causes of death for dementia patients. A person with advanced Dementia may exhibit signs that indicate they are on the verge of passing away, yet they may still be able to function for several months.
How long does Alzheimer’s last before death?
The average lifespan of someone with Alzheimer’s disease is three to eleven years after diagnosis, but some people live for twenty years or longer.
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