Home / Health Insurance / Wellness Corner / What is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? ( EST READ TIME: 3 minutes )

Is Alzheimer's and Dementia the same thing?

Dementia is the most common age-related mental issue in which the person suffers from the loss of cognitive functioning that interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s is the most common type and there are some distinct points of difference between the two. Read on to know more.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome, not a disease. It is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life. It isn't a specific disease, but several diseases can cause dementia.

Though dementia generally involves memory loss, memory loss has different causes and it alone doesn't mean you have dementia. .

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It is the most common type and most common cause of a progressive dementia in older adults.

While it commonly affects people above the age of 60 years, it can also affect someone as young as 40 years.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's vs. Dementia

While symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can overlap, there are some differences too.

Both conditions can cause:

• Decline in the ability to think

• Memory loss

• Communication impairment

Symptoms specific to Alzheimer's disease include:

● Inability to recall recent events

● Severe depression

● Indifference

● Faulty judgement skills

● Delusion

● Confusion

● Difficulty to remember words and language

Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia Treatment

While, treatment for dementia will depend on the exact cause and type of dementia, many treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s can overlap.

It’s a good idea to consult the doctor if you’re concerned about whether you have the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Starting treatment promptly can help you better understand and manage your symptoms.

Alzheimer’s treatment-

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease available; however, there are options that can help manage symptoms of the disease. This includes:

• Medications for behavioral change, memory loss, depression, and sleep changes

• Alternative remedies such as coconut oil and fish oil that aims to boost brain function or overall health

Dementia Treatment-

In few cases, treating the condition that causes dementia may help. While most cases, dementia isn’t reversible, there are many forms of dementia that are treatable.

People with dementia can also benefit from supportive services from home health aides and other caregivers. An assisted living facility or nursing home may be necessary as the disease progresses.

Conclusion

Alzheimer's and dementia are two different ailments. One must consult their doctor about the symptoms they are experiencing so that the doctor can the right treatment promptly to help manage the symptoms.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on September 19, 2022