The terms Alzheimer’s and Dementia are often used interchangeably, but they have very different meanings. Dementia is a syndrome that describes a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. Alzheimer’s is a neurogenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia. In Alzheimer’s, the brain may show signs of the disease before the person experiences any symptoms.
What is Dementia?
Not a specific disease, dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment.
Symptoms include:
· Forgetfulness
· Limited social skills
· An individual’s thinking abilities are so impaired that it interferes with their daily functioning
The 7 Stages of Dementia
1. Memory
2. Communication and speech
3. Focus and concentration
4. Reasoning and judgment
5. Visual perception (including trouble detecting movement)
6. Differentiating colors
7. Experiencing hallucinations
It is important to note that dementia is not a disease per se, and the occurrence of dementia symptoms are caused by various conditions. Medications and therapies may help manage symptoms. Some causes are reversible.
What is Alzheimer's? (Also called: Senile Dementia)
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological brain disease which causes problems with memory. It is named after a German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.
With Alzheimer’s the brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.
Symptoms include:
· Memory loss
· Confusion
The 7 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
1. Before symptoms appear (Outward Behavior)
2. Basic forgetfulness
3. Noticeable memory difficulties
4. More than memory loss
5. Decreased independence
6. Severe symptoms
7. Lack of physical control
No cure exists, but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. It is important to note that a person can have Alzheimer’s without experiencing the symptoms of Dementia.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until next time, stay safe and well
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