Deffrent between Alzheimer's and Dementia

• Written : Khalipha Justice 
• Reviewed : Saminu Harisu Dan Batta Ph.D
• Editor : Victoria Solomon ( B.A English language)

What is the Difference?

While Alzheimer's Disease is a specific type of Dementia, not all Dementia is caused by Alzheimer's Disease. Dementia can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, such as Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, or traumatic brain injury. In addition, Dementia can be reversible in some cases, such as when it is caused by a vitamin deficiency or a medication's side effect. Alzheimer's Disease, on the other hand, is a progressive, irreversible condition that causes the degeneration of brain cells and results in memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive impairments.

Alzheimer's overview

Alzheimer's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, causing the progressive degeneration of brain cells and the formation of abnormal protein deposits known as beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These deposits interfere with the communication between brain cells, leading to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and changes in behavior and personality. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of Dementia in older adults, accounting for 60-80% of cases.

Dementia overview

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and traumatic brain injury. The symptoms of Dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause, but they typically include memory loss, difficulty in communicating, impaired judgment, and changes in mood or behavior. Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that symptoms typically worsen over time.

Alzheimer's Vs Dementia in 5 points

1. Cause: Alzheimer's Disease is a specific type of Dementia that is caused by the degeneration of brain cells and the formation of abnormal protein deposits. Dementia, on the other hand, can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.
2. Symptoms: While both Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia can cause memory loss and cognitive impairment, the symptoms of Dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, Parkinson's Disease-related Dementia may also cause movement problems, while Frontotemporal Dementia may cause changes in personality and behavior.
3. Progression: Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, irreversible condition that typically worsens over time. While some forms of Dementia may also be progressive, others may be reversible or remain stable over time.
4. Treatment: There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia, but treatment options are available to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In addition, some forms of dementia may be reversible if the underlying cause can be identified and treated.
5. Prevalence: Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of Dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Other common causes of Dementia include: Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and vascular dementia.

Research and progress

Research into the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia is ongoing, with a focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of these conditions, developing effective treatments, and finding ways to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. Recent research has focused on the role of inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of Alzheimer's Disease. Other areas of research include the use of biomarkers for early diagnosis, the development of new medications, and the testing of non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and diet for their potential to slow the progression of the disease.

One promising area of research is the use of immunotherapy to target beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. This approach involves developing antibodies that can bind to and remove beta-amyloid from the brain, potentially slowing or halting the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Clinical trials of immunotherapy treatments are currently underway, and early results are promising.

Other research has focused on the potential benefits of lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. Studies have shown that regular physical activity, a healthy diet, social engagement, and mentally stimulating activities may all help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

References

• Alzheimer's Association. (2023). What is Alzheimer's Disease? Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
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• Alzheimer's Association. (2023). What is Dementia? Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
• Mayo Clinic. (2023). Dementia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013
• Mayo Clinic. (2023). Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
• National Institute on Aging. (2022). What is Alzheimer's Disease? Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease
• National Institute on Aging. (2021). What is Dementia? Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-dementia
• Salloway, S. (2020). Advances in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. F1000Research, 9(F1000 Faculty Rev): F1000 Faculty Rev-1525. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.25570.1
• Petersen, R. C. (2018). Mild cognitive impairment. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 24(3, Dementia), 627-639. doi: 10.1212/CON.0000000000000630
• Reijmer, Y. D., Leemans, A., Brundel, M., Kappelle, L. J., Biessels, G. J. (2013). Disruption of the cerebral white matter network is related to slowing of information processing speed in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, 62(6), 2112-2115. doi: 10.2337/db12-1276
• World Health Organization. (2022). Dementia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia