What is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

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Alzheimer’s and Dementia often get mixed up in the same context as if they are the same thing. This is normal because they both have very similar symptoms.

However, Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and the varying types of Dementia have similar symptoms. For example, memory loss, forgetfulness, slower thinking, reduced mental agility, change in the ability to perform everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning, and mood changes all touch each spectrum of dementia. Depending on the person and their individual situation, symptoms may show at varying speeds.

 

More formally, according to WebMD, “Dementia is the name for a group of brain disorders that make it hard to remember, think clearly, make decisions, or even control your emotions. Alzheimer’s disease is one of those disorders, but there are many different types and causes of dementia.”

Dementia is the umbrella under which Alzheimer’s falls, and this can cause people to think they are one and the same. However, there are some differences.

Dementia is classified when someone has two of the following symptoms. It is not just about simple memory mishaps.

• Memory

• Communication and speech

• Focus and concentration

• Reasoning and judgment

• Visual perception (can’t see the difference in colours or detect movement, or see things that aren’t there)

Since symptoms are similar to the different types of Dementia, it can be hard for a doctor to diagnose which type the patient has. Thus, you’ll need to notice all the symptoms and provide a history of any major traumas, drug or alcohol use, or other issues in order to get the most accurate diagnosis.

This includes any actions that the person is doing such as forgetting where they parked or wandering off aimlessly. Below is a list of symptoms that overlap for dementia and Alzheimer’s and symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Both conditions can cause:

• A decline in ability to think

• Memory impairment

• Communication handicap

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease include:

• Difficulty with short term memory

• Apathy

• Depression

• Impaired judgment

• Disorientation

• Confusion

• Behavioural changes

• Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or walking in advanced stages of the disease

As stated earlier, Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s happens when proteins (called plaques) and fibres (called tangles) build up in your brain and block nerve signals and destroy nerve cells. This directly affects memory and is progressive.

Over time it may be difficult to carry on a conversation, or perform tasks in a daily routine such as tell time or use the bathroom. The disease is devastating. The life span from diagnosis to death can be as little as three years in people over 80 and longer for younger people, according to Healthline.

Another distinct difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s is treatment. While the causes of some forms of Dementia can be treated, which may help, Alzheimer’s is non-reversible. In most cases, Dementia isn’t reversible. However, many forms are treatable and the right medication can help manage Dementia. Treatments for Dementia will depend on the cause.