Having several family members that struggle with Alzheimer's as
well as dementia, there's one question that seems to constantly
circulate in my mind which I never quite get an answer to: "What
exactly is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?" I've
received answers such as, "Alzheimer's is where a person can't
remember important long term memory things like who their family
members are, while dementia is where a person can't remember short
term memory things like what they ate for lunch." I've also been
told that "dementia is what naturally happens to the mind as you
age." So eventually we'll all get dementia? Needless to say, I've
been left scratching my head and not quite understanding much of
anything when it comes to Alzheimer's and dementia.
To get some clarity, let's take a look at Merriam-Webster's
definitions of each:
Dementia - a progressive condition marked
by deteriorated cognitive functioning often with emotional
apathy.
In other words, an impairment of thinking and memory that
interferes with a person's ability to do things which he or she
previously was able to do caused by physical changes in the brain.
And NO - it's not something everyone develops as they age!
Alzheimer's - a degenerative brain disease
of unknown cause, that is the most common form of dementia, that
usually starts in late middle age or in old age, that results in
progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and
changes in personality and mood, and that is marked histologically
by the degeneration of brain neurons especially in the cerebral
cortex and by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and plaques
containing beta-amyloid.
So, Alzheimer's is an actual disease while dementia is a
condition. Alzheimer's disease is, by definition, a type of
dementia as well as the most common cause of dementia. It accounts
for 50-80% of dementia cases. However, there are many other causes
of dementia. Furthermore, a diagnosis of dementia does not always
indicate Alzheimer's disease. Thoroughly confused yet? My brain is
still a little foggy. Maybe discussing other causes of dementia can
clear it up.
Here's a list of other types and causes of
dementia:
Vascular Dementia - also known as "post-stroke"
dementia because it typically occurs after blood flow is blocked
from the brain during a stroke. Vascular is the second most common
type of dementia.
Mixed Dementia - when vascular and Alzheimer's
disease occur at the same time. According to brain autopsies, up to
45% of people with dementia have signs of both Alzheimer's and
vascular disease, making mixed dementia more common than previously
thought.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies - named after the
scientist who first described them, Lewy bodies are abnormal
deposits of protein inside the brain's nerve cells found in
multiple brain disorders such as Parkinson's, some cases of
Alzheimer's and of course dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Frontotemporal Dementia - a rare dementia that
affects the front and side lobes of the brain.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus - also a rare
dementia where fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is not
able to drain normally causing enlarged ventricles and damaged
tissue. During a spinal tap the pressure will appear normal making
it hard to detect; thus, the 'normal' in the name.
Parkinson's Disease - a disease where Lewy
Bodies are present in the brain and movement is affected such as
tremors, stiffness, shakiness, and lack of muscle control. In some
cases, dementia occurs in the later stages of the disease.
Huntington's Disease - a rare and fatal disease
caused by inherited changes in a single gene that leads to the
destruction of nerve cells in the brain.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease - a very rare disease
where prion protein in the brain begins to assume an abnormal
three-dimensional shape triggering the other brain protein to do
the same, resulting in destruction of brain cells.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome - caused by a
deficiency of vitamin B-1, brains cells are unable to generate
enough energy to function properly. Typically associated with AIDS,
high levels of thyroid hormone and cancers that have spread
throughout the body.
Since Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia with
specific microscopic brain abnormalities, just like Parkinson's
Disease or Vascular Dementia, it requires a doctor's exam and a CT
or MRI scan to properly diagnose.
Assuming severe memory impairment is natural with age and
ignoring developing symptoms can be dangerous. Treatment in the
form of medication, as well as lifestyle changes, may help slow the
progression of the disease. Consult with a doctor if you or your
loved one is experiencing memory impairment so a correct diagnosis
can be determined and proper treatment can begin immediately to
ensure a better quality of life for all involved.
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living