Do You Know the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease?
Dementia
Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms that impact memory, performance of daily activities and communication abilities. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to the brain cells that affects one's ability to communicate, thinking, behavior and feelings. Many types of dementia exist and many conditions cause it. Mixed dementia is a condition in which brain changes of more than one type of dementia occur simultaneously.
Alzheimer’s Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s disease is a common cause of dementia, causing as many as 50-70% of all dementia cases. In fact, Alzheimer’s is a very specific form of dementia with symptoms such as confusion, impaired speech and thought. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that progresses over time.
While most changes in the brain that cause dementia are permanent, many are not. Thinking and memory problems caused by the following conditions may improve when the condition is treated and addressed. These conditions include depression, medication side effects, excessive use of alcohol, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.
It is important to talk to a doctor early and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing or observing in others. For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.
