Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the most common types of memory loss. Both conditions are the result of a gradual breakdown in the brain, which affects memory and other cognitive functions. Reduced memory, thinking and speaking abilities can have a serious impact on your life. But there are steps you can take to help manage common symptoms. Whether you’re concerned about memory loss or have noticed major changes in your memory recently, here’s what you need to know about these two conditions, risk factors for developing them, and potential treatments available.
What is Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease?
Dementia is a degenerative condition that affects the brain, leading to problems with memory, language, and other cognitive functions. The condition begins gradually, with symptoms becoming more pronounced over time. Dementia can be caused by a variety of conditions, particularly as you age. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 50-70% of all dementia cases. Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and fronto-temporal dementia.
Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that may include difficulty with thinking and reasoning, impaired communication, behavioral changes, and reduced ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It affects more than 5 million people in the United States and is the seventh leading cause of death.
What Causes Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
While the exact causes of Alzheimer’s are not fully understood, scientists believe that a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors plays a role in the disease. As we age, all of us experience some degree of memory loss. This is normal and does not represent dementia. Dementia is a serious medical condition that affects the brain. It is not a normal part of aging and may, in fact, be preventable. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50-70% of all dementia cases. In fact, after the age of 65, 1 in 9 people will develop the disease.
Signs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
There are signs that may indicate dementia or Alzheimer’s is impacting your brain, including:
- Slower speech
- Difficulty finding the right word
- Trouble with math
- Forgetting how to drive
- Trouble following a tv show or movie
- Changes in mood
- Dramatic shifts in eating or sleeping patterns
- Forgetting to take medications
- Decreased hygiene
- Poor hygiene – changes in personality
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Difficulty managing finances
- Changes in daily routine
- Having difficulty recognizing friends and family members
- Having difficulty paying attention
- Having difficulty solving problems
- Having difficulty managing stress
Research and Progress
Alzheimer’s disease was first described in 1906 by German physician Alois Alzheimer as a distinct neurological disorder characterized by severe memory loss and microscopic brain alterations. Alzheimer’s is currently a leading subject in biomedical research. Researchers are aiming to learn as much as possible about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The most significant achievements in Alzheimer’s disease research have revealed new information about how Alzheimer’s affects the brain. This new knowledge may lead to novel therapeutic treatments.
Risk Factors for Developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
There are many risk factors associated with developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, including growing older, genetics, and lifestyle choices. In fact, more than 50% of cases can be attributed to lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. Some risk factors you can’t control, like age, but you can control many other factors that increase your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. To reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, you should eat a balanced diet, exercise, stay socially active, and see your doctor for regular health check-ups.
Diagnosis of Dementia
A thorough medical history, physical exam, lab tests, and the characteristic alterations in reasoning, day-to-day functioning, and conduct that accompany each kind of Alzheimer’s disease are used to diagnose it. To diagnose dementia, a neurologist may assess brain changes and symptoms that indicate dementia. However, because many kinds of dementia display similar brain and behavioral changes, it can be difficult to pinpoint the condition. It is generally difficult to pinpoint the type of dementia, however, some doctors may diagnose “dementia” without specifying the condition. If this occurs, you should see a neurologist
Treatment Options for Dementia and Alzheimer’s
There is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s, but there are treatment options that can slow the progression of the disease. These include: –
- Managing medications
- Managing diet
- Managing stress
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Staying socially active
- Participating in mental exercises – participating in cognitive training
- Participating in therapy
- Participating in support groups
exploring alternative treatments Because each person’s case is different, it’s important to work with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you. Treatment may vary depending on the type of dementia you have. It’s also important to remember that there is no way to predict how quickly dementia will progress in each person.
Tips For People With Dementia
If you’ve been diagnosed with dementia, there are a few ways you can make living with the condition a little easier. Here are a few tips: – Stay active. Engage in regular exercise to reduce stress and help manage pain. – Stay socially active. Participate in activities with friends and family members, as well as clubs and organizations that interest you. – Keep a positive outlook. Try to stay positive and hopeful, even when things seem challenging. – Keep good hygiene. Stay clean by bathing regularly and brushing your teeth daily. – Manage medications. Make sure to take medications as prescribed by your doctor. – Plan for the future. Create a living will and financial power of attorney to make sure your finances are managed if you become too ill to manage them yourself.
Concluding Words
If you or a loved one has been experiencing memory loss, it’s important to see a doctor. Dementia and Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed with a thorough medical evaluation. Although these conditions are incurable, there are treatment options that can help slow the progression of the disease. The sooner dementia and Alzheimer’s are diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.