Alzheimer’s Disease vs. Dementia
11/2/2022
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are two of the most commonly confused mental disorders. They may share common symptoms, but they are different conditions associated with aging.
Dementia is not a specific disease. Rather, it is a group of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. Dementia may develop gradually or very quickly. In either case, it affects:
- Decision-making and judgment
- Memory
- Thinking and reasoning
- Verbal communication
Many different diseases can cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Pick’s disease. However, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases – and is the fifth-leading cause of the death in the United States for people 65 and older.
Alzheimer’s disease gets worse over time as it destroys brain cells that control thought, memory and language.
The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetfulness. As the disease progresses, memory loss becomes severe and basic daily activities, such as eating and dressing, are more difficult. Patients in later stages may fail to recognize familiar people and places. It is common for them to show aggression and anxiety.
“Early diagnosis is key – it helps for patients and family to be able to participate in healthcare plans and legal paperwork while they can,” said Monica Sarawagi, M.D., who specializes in geriatric medicine at Northwest Healthcare’s Northwest Primary Care at SaddleBrooke.
“It’s important to know that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, although your risk increases as you get older,” she added. “A nutritious diet, regular physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating activities have all been associated with helping people stay healthy in mind as well as in body.”
Physicians and scientists believe the following risk factors may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease:
- Age. This is the most important known risk factor. The number of people who have the disease doubles every five years after age 65.
- Family history. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, is genetically inherited. The more common Alzheimer’s disease that develops later in life has no obvious inheritance pattern, although the risk is slightly higher for those who have an immediate family member with Alzheimer’s.
- Sex. Women are more likely to develop the disease.
- Lifestyle. High blood pressure and high cholesterol may increase a person’s risk.
Alzheimer’s disease is typically diagnosed by ruling out other diseases and conditions that cause memory loss, such as a brain tumor. Physicians typically rely on a person’s medical history; blood tests; mental evaluation; and brain scans to diagnose the vast majority of Alzheimer’s cases.
“While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, certain medications can slow its progression for a time,” Dr. Sarawagi said. “And, as our population ages, research efforts are accelerating to find better ways to treat symptoms, delay onset or prevent the disease altogether.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, consult a physician. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarawagi or another Northwest Healthcare physician, please visit MyTucsonDoc.com.
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