|
Alzheimer's Disease vs. Dementia By Linda J Bruton |
| Sunday, March 8, 2009 |
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease may share common symptoms but there is a marked difference between these two problems of aging. Everyone with age and may lose their keys may have some trouble remembering facts and figures. For many seniors, this is a sign of aging. Dementia is a brain disorder that encompasses a broad spectrum of cognitive problems, while Alzheimer's disease brain has unique physical conditions and other disorders of dementia do not share.
Dementia is a common problem in the elderly population. It is estimated that up to four million Americans live with some degree of dementia. Symptoms of dementia can be described as a collection of symptoms that indicate that the process of thinking is deteriorating.
These symptoms affect the individual in a variety of forms, but all the symptoms of dementia have a devastating effect on quality of life. Individuals suffering from dementia lose their ability to perform daily activities. One of the effects of the disease is a key brain chemical acetylcholine is lost. The loss of this important chemical may contribute to some of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Acetylcholine is produced in several locations in the brain as the basal forebrain. It is thought that this chemical promotes learning. Acetylcholine-producing cells in the basal forebrain are damaged in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, is believed to contribute to memory loss that are an early symptom of the disease.
Dementia is caused by the destruction of brain cells. The destruction can be caused by a head injury, stroke or a brain tumor. Some people have a family history of dementia. Dementia may also change the mood of a person and personality. As dementia progresses, mood swings and other disruptive behaviors may be apparent. The person with dementia may not be aware of these problems.
Some of the signs or symptoms of dementia may include:
* Problems with memory
* Problem-oriented
* Have difficulty making plans
* Difficulty in dressing
* Difficulty for common tasks,
* Make a phone call,
* Use of kitchen
* Difficulty in carrying out simple math problems
* The difficulty with the language
Symptoms similar to dementia can also develop as a result of other conditions, such as alcohol or substance abuse, vitamin deficiency and some infectious diseases. Although Alzheimer's disease accounts for nearly 60 percent of all cases of dementia, all cases of dementia are Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. Alzheimer's usually begins after age 60.
It is important to classify the type of dementia that the patient is experiencing. An appointment with a specialist in health care to confirm a specific diagnosis. Some forms of dementia can be successfully treated with medication. Once the patient and family understand what is causing the dementia as a symptom, a treatment plan to address the root can be put in place.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease statistics, treatment, care, support and resources, visit http://www.alzheimersdiseasetips.com for tips. Be sure to read the article on Alzheimer's disease for early detection of symptoms. |
posted by neptunus @ 4:17 PM  |
|
|
|
|
|
Post a Comment