Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are two of the most common diseases associated with old age, and perhaps every aging person’s worst nightmare and that is why it is so important to understand the difference between dementia and alzheimers. So many studies have been conducted and research documented regarding Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Because of that, many people often use these 2 terms interchangeable, thinking that they are one and the same. The truth is they are two different entities. However, they do present similar signs and symptoms.
As define by medical experts, Dementia is a chronic persistent disorder of behavior and higher intellectual function due to organic diseases. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of Dementia occurring in middle age or later. To put it simply, Dementia is a syndrome with several causes and types, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of dementia affecting 3% of the population between 65-74 years of age. As one gets older, the risk of Alzheimer’s increase, 19% for those older than 75 years old. It is characterized by gradual loss of cognitive function.
Although both Dementia and Alzheimer’s have similar characteristics, like loss of memory and impaired cognitive functioning, there are a few differences that are worth noting.
Alzheimer’s disease is classified as a type of dementia characterized by the progressive loss of important mental functions. Signs and symptoms of the illness are more severe and more serious memory loss compared to other forms of dementia.
Another trait worth comparing is the fact that dementia is a medical term use to describe a collection of symptoms. Certain symptoms included as define by the Medical Association of Dementia are memory impairment, decrease motor skills, language difficulties, disturbance of the ability for abstract thinking and failure to identify objects.
Another way to differentiate the two medical conditions is the onset of the disease or the time when the first symptom appears. Although it is difficult to note the first few signs, since the disease progression is gradual since it is often mistaken as normal signs of aging like forgetfulness or difficulty remembering dates. However, the onset of Alzheimer’s disease occurs as early as 45 years old. General dementia occurs in much later age, like between 70-80 years of age.
Here are some signs that would raise the red flag. As mentioned earlier, memory loss specifically short-term memory is a warning sign, and the illness is not part of normal aging. Other signs are language problems, time and place disorientation, decreased or poor judgment, changes in mood and personality and frequent misplacing of things.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are two of the most debilitating medical illnesses. Sadly, it is not only the ill person whose life is change, but their families as well. Taking care of an ill person is no easy task. Watching your loved one slowly deteriorating in front of you is heart breaking. That is why some families, chose to leave their family member with dementia in health care facilities to care for them.
