Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Many people are confused about these terms and use them interchangeably. Are they the same disease, if not what is the difference? Most people relate these terms to a general decline in cognitive abilities, especially memory loss, which is partially correct.
A study conducted in India recently concluded that more than 8% of people who are 60+ are affected by Dementia. What is worrying is that many other studies have predicted that this percentage can increase significantly over the next 2-3 decades.
Understanding Dementia
It is not a disease but rather a syndrome. It is a general medical term used to refer to a set of symptoms that affect people’s ability to perform everyday tasks. These symptoms also impact the memory and communication abilities of people. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The risk of developing dementia is high for people of 65+. But it does not mean it is part of ageing. At times younger people get affected by dementia. As the condition progresses, it can significantly impact the ability of people to function independently. What are the symptoms?
Symptoms
- Losing track of time and place.
- Decreased focus.
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion (repeated questioning)
- Inability to remember people and faces.
- Poor hygiene and inability to care of self.
- Behavior changes
- Depression and aggression.
Most symptoms appear progressively and there is a chance people mistake it for the natural part of ageing. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia.
Types of Dementia
There are various types based on the causes
- Vascular dementia-caused by blockage of blood flow to the brain.
- Lewy body dementia (LBD)-is caused by protein deposits in the brain that interrupt electric signals.
- Parkinson’s disease dementia-decline in cognitive capabilities due to Parkinson’s.
- Frontotemporal dementia- loss of brain functions in the region near the forehead and behind the years.
- Posterior cortical atrophy- deterioration of the outer layer of the brain called cortex.
- Creuzfeldt-Jakob disease- a rare infectious causing rapidly progressive dementia.
- Huntington’s disease- breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
- Built-up of fluid in the brain ventricles.
The treatment of dementia depends on the underlying cause and disease, if any. It is not reversible, but you can manage the symptoms through treatment. Dementia caused by drugs, tumours, metabolic disorders, hypoglycemia, etc responds to treatment.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
As mentioned earlier, it is a progressive disease that impairs people’s memory and cognitive abilities. There is n specific cause or cure for this disease. As such, we can only work towards managing the disease and its symptoms. While younger people also get Alzheimer’s disease, most people who develop symptoms are 65+.
Symptoms
Most of the symptoms mentioned above for dementia may occur in Alzheimer’s disease. People with advanced Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and walking. People with LBD may have visual hallucinations, balance issues, and sleep disturbance. Those having Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease will likely experience involuntary movements also.
Treatment
The options here include medications for
- Behavioural changes
- Memory loss
- Sleep changes
- Depressions
Healthcare professionals also explore alternative therapies to boost brain functions for improved quality of life for patients. Some examples are cognitive stimulation therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, reminiscing life stories and events, etc.
In the end, there is no sure-shot way to prevent Alzheimer’s. Some neurologists are of the opinion that if in your day-to-day life you speak more than two languages, you can delay dementia by a few years. Here are some other points you can consider to keep at bay
- Physical exercise, and social engagement.
- Healthy diet.
- Hobbies and mental stimulation.
- Stress management, and quality sleep.
- Vascular health
- Diabetes and blood pressure management.
As per experts, most of these points in general are for an overall healthy and active life.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
25th September 2023