The terms Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often used interchangeably. They share many similarities such as symptoms of memory loss and disorientation. Both are caused by damage to nerve cells and their connections in the brain, which lead to changes in a person’s thoughts and behaviors. Nevertheless, they are two different medical terms.
Dementia is a general term for the decline of cognitive functioning severe enough to interfere with daily life. The symptoms and characteristics of an individual experiencing dementia may include memory loss, difficulty problem-solving, and/or confusion. There are different types of progressive dementias, meaning dementias that progress and are not reversible. The type of dementia someone may have is associated with how their brain is affected, such as vessel damage, protein clumps, or fibrous tangles.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the types of dementia and it is the most common type. It accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking skills, and behavior. As the disease advances, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as disorientation, mood changes, confusion, suspicions, and motor behavior difficulties. Alzheimer’s disease patients have plaques and tangles in their brains. Scientists do not know exactly what these plaques and tangles do but expect they are damaging nerve cells and their connections in the brain.
Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid that build up in the spaces between nerve cells.
Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau that build up inside nerve cells.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease also share common risk factors. There are a couple that cannot be changed, such as age and family history. However, there are several risk factors that you can change! Research shows a greater risk of dementia in people who eat an unhealthy diet, drink large amounts of alcohol, experience sleep disturbances, have hypertension, and experience air pollution exposure.
Start with something simple and small as a step toward reducing risk for Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Add a cup of fruit or vegetables to each meal. Change your air filters regularly. Attend yearly physicals and talk to your doctor about any concerns.
