What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?

When it comes to memory loss and cognitive decline, the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are frequently used interchangeably, but recognising the differences is critical. Dementia is a general term that refers to a variety of cognitive impairment-related illnesses; on the other hand, Alzheimer’s is a specific disease and the leading cause of dementia.

Handling individuals living with dementia can become more complicated as the condition progresses, as a result it is critical to seek specialised care. At Wise Choice, we offer a personalised dementia care service, offering the assistance needed to live comfortably while guaranteeing a compassionate and effective approach to care.

Now, let’s look at the fundamental distinctions between dementia and Alzheimer’s, deciphering the complexity of these often-confused conditions.

Key Differences between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are terms often used collectively, but they are not similar. While both conditions involve cognitive loss, they differ in terms of aetiology, symptoms, development, and therapy. Differentiating between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is critical for correct diagnosis and adequate care planning.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad umbrella that refers to a deterioration in cognitive function severe enough to impede with daily activities. It has an impact on memory, thinking, conduct, and capacity to carry out daily tasks. Dementia is a syndrome characterised by a variety of underlying disorders, rather than a single disease. While some forms of dementia are reversible with the right care, the majority are progressive and incurable, necessitating constant supervision and assistance.

Common Types of Dementia

Although Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type, which accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases, there are other varieties of dementia as well, including:

1. Vascular Dementia: Vascular dementia results from reduced blood flow to the part of the brain, typically caused by strokes or other vascular disorders. It is the second largest cause of dementia, accounting for 15% of the cases.
2. Lewy Body Dementia: Lewy body dementia is characterised by aberrant protein deposits known as Lewy bodies in the brain. It shares symptoms with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and constitutes 5% of dementia cases.
3. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): Frontotemporal dementia impacts the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in behavioural, personality, and language problems. It accounts for 25% of dementia cases in individuals over 65.
4. Mixed Dementia: Mixed dementia combines two or more kinds of dementia, typically Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
5. Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Some individuals with Parkinson’s disease may develop dementia as the disease progresses, leading to cognitive and memory impairments. 10% of cases of dementia
6. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): CJD is a rare, quickly degenerative brain condition that causes cognitive decline and neurological symptoms. It affects one to two million people globally each year.
7. Huntington’s Disease: Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that leads to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, resulting in cognitive and motor impairments.
8. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: This type of dementia is caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1) and is often associated with chronic alcoholism.
9. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): NPH is a condition characterised by an excess of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, leading to symptoms of dementia, problems with walking, and urinary incontinence.

Also Read: 101 Things to Do with Dementia Patients

Symptoms of dementia

Dementia typically advances through various stages, with symptoms getting worse over time.

Click to read more about How to Handle Aggressive Dementia Patients?

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What age do people get Dementia?

• Age of Onset: The risk of developing dementia increases with age, especially after the age of 65. The likelihood of developing dementia doubles every five years after the age of 65.
• Young-Onset Dementia: Some individuals may develop dementia before the age of 65, known as young-onset dementia. Causes of young-onset dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other conditions.

Also Read: Most Frequently Asked Questions about Dementia

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that is the leading cause of dementia. It gradually deteriorates memory and cognitive abilities, resulting in severe mental disability. Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which disrupt neuron activity and communication.

Is mild dementia the same as Alzheimer’s?

Mild dementia is not the same as Alzheimer’s disease, while mild cognitive impairment may be an early stage of Alzheimer’s. Mild dementia is defined as the early stages of cognitive decline caused by a variety of factors, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

1. Memory Loss: One of the earliest and most common symptoms. This includes difficulty remembering recent events or conversations.
2. Confusion with Time and Place: Individuals may become disoriented about dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may also get lost in familiar places.
3. Difficulty with Familiar Tasks: Struggling with routine activities, such as cooking a meal or managing finances, which were once done easily.
4. Problems with Language: Difficulty finding the right words, repeating themselves, or struggling to follow or join in conversations.
5. Judgement and Decision-Making Issues: Poor judgement in financial matters or decisions that may seem uncharacteristic.
6. Misplacing Things: Leaving things in strange places and being unable to follow your own path back to find them.
7. Changes in Mood and Personality: Experiencing mood swings, becoming irritable, or exhibiting changes in behaviour that seem out of character.
8. Withdrawal from Social Activities: Avoiding social engagements, work, or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
9. Difficulty with Spatial Awareness: Problems understanding visual images and spatial relationships, which can affect reading, driving, and navigating spaces.
10. Loss of Initiative: Decreased motivation to start or complete tasks, and a tendency to become passive or disinterested in previously enjoyed activities.

What age do people get Alzheimer’s?

• Age of Onset: Alzheimer’s typically affects individuals aged 65 and older.
• Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: However, some individuals can develop Alzheimer’s disease before the age of 65, known as early-onset Alzheimer’s. This type is less common but can occur in individuals in their 40s or 50s.
• Risk Factors: Advanced age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. For younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, causes are often unclear, but family history and rare genetic mutations can be factors.

Is Alzheimer’s more progressive than dementia?

While Alzheimer’s disease is a frequent and progressive kind of dementia, it is incorrect to state that it is fundamentally more progressive than other types of dementia. The course of dementia varies according to the underlying cause, individual characteristics, and kind of dementia. Some forms of dementia may advance more quickly or have distinct symptom patterns than Alzheimer’s disease.

How do you know if it’s Alzheimer’s or Dementia?

Identifying Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia requires a complete assessment by healthcare specialists, which includes a medical history, physical and neurological exams, cognitive testing, brain imaging, and, in some cases, genetic testing. Alzheimer’s disease is a frequent type of dementia with a relatively predictable progression, whereas dementia comprises a wide range of disorders with varied patterns and rates of progression.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is essential for getting the right diagnosis, treatment, and care. While a definitive diagnosis can only be confirmed through an autopsy, doctors often rely on clinical history, and sometimes brain imaging and lab tests, to make a likely diagnosis. Although there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease yet, medications and support services can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with it.

Caring for someone with dementia can be extremely draining. If you’re finding it overwhelming to provide the necessary care for your loved ones at home, remember us. Our caregivers are trained in dementia care, understanding the complexities and nuances of the condition. They provide not only practical support but also emotional companionship, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and confusion. Contact us today.