Many people develop symptoms of dementia as they get older — difficulty recalling recent events, losing the ability to recognize the faces of family and friends and being unable to perform calculations. Dementia is, unfortunately, common and it can happen for a variety of reasons.
Dementia is the Name of a Cluster of Symptoms
Many conditions that are common in the elderly cause dementia, including Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, strokes and diabetes. One of these conditions is Alzheimer’s. It is important to recognize that while Alzheimer’s disease causes dementia, dementia is not necessarily Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia, rather than being a disease in and of itself, is actually a group of symptoms that point to a different underlying condition.
Is it Alzheimer’s?
So how can you tell if Alzheimer’s disease is the cause of dementia? Unfortunately, at this point there really is no way to know for sure until after the person’s death. The distinctive plaques and tangles that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s are usually found during the autopsy, with a microscopic analysis of brain tissue.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s
The primary way that Alzheimer’s is diagnosed is by a thorough review of the symptoms and testing to rule out other causes of dementia that may be treatable. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia, with about 60 to 70 percent of cases. There is no cure.
The Differences Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s
Some key differences can be noted when dementia symptoms first start to show up. For example, in the second most common cause of dementia, dementia with Lewy Bodies, the first symptoms displayed are a decreased attention span, hallucinations and a marked fluctuation between lucid periods and confusion.
As the disease progresses, more and more traditional dementia symptoms, such as forgetfulness, are displayed and it becomes more difficult to tell different conditions apart.
When Someone You Love has Dementia
Every person with dementia, regardless of whether it is caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or another condition, is completely different. No two people have exactly the same set of symptoms or progress in the same way. Dementia is devastating, regardless of the cause. When it happens to your parent or someone you love, it can turn your life upside down. Learning more about the condition can help you cope with the challenges of caregiving.
Dementia.
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