Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia, a syndrome caused by brain cell death and characterized by a loss of cognitive function that affects a person’s everyday life. Up to 60 percent of dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer’s disease, which is why so many often think the two are one in the same, says Mark Friedman, DO, a neurologist with the Clinical Neuroscience Institute.
“You can’t assume that dementia is always from Alzheimer’s,” says Dr. Friedman, who practices with Premier Health Specialists. “There are many types of memory loss that are progressive, but it doesn’t mean it is necessarily due to Alzheimer’s.”
The NAA says both Alzheimer’s and dementia still remain a mystery in many ways, which may be the reason the two similar syndromes are often mixed up in everyday conversation. However, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and the performance of daily activities while Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects parts of the brain that control thoughts, memory and language.
There are more than a dozen specific types of dementia disorders. Symptoms vary from person to person and according to what type of dementia they have. An early clinical symptom can be difficulty remembering recent conversations, names or events. Apathy and depression can also be present at the beginning as well. Later symptoms include impaired communication, poor judgement, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking, the NAA says.
Three other common forms of dementia are caused by vascular disease of the brain, those associated with Parkinson’s disease and a third type called normal pressure hydrocephalus where the fluid cavities in the brain are larger than usual, Dr. Friedman says.
“There are also other causes of memory loss that do not mean an individual has a problem with dementia,” he says. “For example, memory loss can come from a metabolic imbalance due to thyroid dysfunction and certain vitamin deficiencies, and even sometimes depression can cause memory loss that can appear similar to dementia.”
Dementia is often an age-related syndrome.
Family members who suspect a loved one is exhibiting signs of dementia often find it difficult to take the first step toward an evaluation. Individuals may be scared of the diagnosis or deny they have a problem.
There are several things families can keep in mind as they travel this road with a loved one:
Earlier is often better. Delaying a medical evaluation out of fear only puts off effective treatment or possible reassurance that the memory loss is due to something other than dementia. It's important to know that medication is now available that may help slow the progression of dementia.
Consult your physician. Dr. Friedman suggests families consult a family physician who is close to the patient.
Testing can provide answers. Today's diagnostic tools, such as brain imaging, can help neurologists accurately diagnose what is causing memory loss.
Memory loss isn't always permanent. Do not assume memory loss means dementia. There are many times when memory loss is due to a cause that may be reversed.
“There are actually times when all the testing comes back normal and I get the pleasure of telling patients that they have no significant memory disorder to worry about,” Dr. Friedman says. “It can be very reassuring to patients and also to their families.”
For more information on dementia or to find a Premier Health Specialists physician near you, go online to www.premierhealthspecialists.org/neurology.
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