Dementia vs. Alzheimer's
How are they different? And what are the causes and cures?
What is Dementia?
What Is Alzheimer's?
"Alzheimer’s disease affects five million people in the U.S., according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The progressive disease disrupts memory and thinking, impairing and eventually killing brain cells. This damage can lead to symptoms like forgetfulness, having difficulty with time, language problems, or an inability to recognize loved ones. Also Memory and thinking depend on transmission of signals among 100 billion neurons in the brain. Alzheimer’s interferes with cell signal transmission. This produces flawed signaling, so the brain’s messages are lost. This impacts the ability to learn, remember, and communicate."
Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's
What are the cures?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. Although there is no cure, Alzheimer's medications can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's. Drug and non-drug treatments may help with both mental and social symptoms. Researchers are looking for new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with dementia. Even though there is unfortunately no real cure for these sicknesses, doctors won't give up hope and will keep trying until there's a cure.
Through the Eyes of a Doctor
Possible causes
- Plaques. These clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid may damage and destroy brain cells in several ways, including interfering with cell-to-cell communication. Although the ultimate cause of brain-cell death in Alzheimer's isn't known, the collection of beta-amyloid on the outside of brain cells is a prime suspect.
Tangles. Brain cells depend on an internal support and transport system to carry nutrients and other essential materials throughout their long extensions. This system requires the normal structure and functioning of a protein called tau.
Sources
Verel, Dan. "Can Self-reporting Work for Dementia Patients?" Medcitynews. Medcitynews, n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.
Treacy Colbert. "What Does Alzheimer's Do to the Brain?" Healthline. Healthline, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.
Healthline Editorial Team. "What's the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's?" Healthline. Healthline, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.
Unknown. "Is There a Cure for Dementia?" Can Dementia Be Cured? NHS Choices, n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.
Trinity College Dublin. "What's the Difference Between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia?" YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2015.
Jenny the neuropathologist
Unknown. "Alzheimer's Disease." Causes. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015.
About the Author
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