Similarities Between Alzheimer's Disease And Dementia

In the elder community, we see a variety of conditions being treated, the two most common being Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. Both present themselves in similar ways, therefore, they are often misdiagnosed and not treated correctly. Likewise, when most people see an elderly individual with memory issues, they automatically assume it's a result of Alzheimer's Disease, as it is the most common cause of Dementia. The areas that doctors typically analyze in order to differentiate the two conditions are symptoms, treatment, and life expectancy.
Alzheimer's Disease is defined as a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. The symptoms are unforgiving and life-altering. They include memory impairment, difficulty speaking, impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, and behavioral changes. It is impossible to be completely certain about an Alzheimer's diagnosis until a post mortem examination is performed, and the brain tissue is examined.
A syndrome is a group of symptoms with no definite diagnosis. ("Dementia vs. Alzheimer's") A person with dementia will have a decline in their ability to think, communicate, and remember. There are many forms of dementia caused by progressive diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and HIV. In rare cases, it is seen with drug abuse, the presence of a brain tumor, hyperglycemia, vascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Although most forms of dementia are irreversible, there is hope for the patients suffering due to drug abuse, tumors, hyperglycemia, and metabolic disorders. Most treatments for dementia will only worsen the condition over time. The preferred plan of action is to simply manage the symptoms. On average, a patient will live ten years following the Dementia diagnosis. Much like with Alzheimer's the patient will no longer have the ability to recognize a serious medical issue until it is too