“Difference between dementia & Alzheimer's?”
I would like to know the difference between the two. I am working with these people and would like be more knowledgeable for them & their families. Also would be interested in any classes/certifications.
3 Answers
Dementia has multiple causes
Dementia is a label for a type and degree of cognitive dysfunction, the operational definition of which requires:
1.) cognitive decline or loss in 2 or more spheres of cognitive function (e.g., memory, judgement, calculation, language, spatial orientation; not memory alone);
2.) that said cognitive decline is stable or progressive over a period of 6 months or more;
3.) that the cognitive decline is of sufficient degree as to interfere with social or occupational function.
Dementia of Alzheimer type is merely the commonest of the dementias. There are other types, such as Frontotemporal Dementia, Subcortical Dementia, and Vascular Dementia, as well as mixtures.
(FWIW, we cannot actually speak entirely accurately of Alzheimer's Disease without having a tissue diagnosis, via biopsy or necropsy, showing senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. It is more precise to speak of Dementia of Alzheimer type, otherwise, when a patient's dementing illness shows the features commonly identified with Alzheimer's Disease during life.)
1.) cognitive decline or loss in 2 or more spheres of cognitive function (e.g., memory, judgement, calculation, language, spatial orientation; not memory alone);
2.) that said cognitive decline is stable or progressive over a period of 6 months or more;
3.) that the cognitive decline is of sufficient degree as to interfere with social or occupational function.
Dementia of Alzheimer type is merely the commonest of the dementias. There are other types, such as Frontotemporal Dementia, Subcortical Dementia, and Vascular Dementia, as well as mixtures.
(FWIW, we cannot actually speak entirely accurately of Alzheimer's Disease without having a tissue diagnosis, via biopsy or necropsy, showing senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. It is more precise to speak of Dementia of Alzheimer type, otherwise, when a patient's dementing illness shows the features commonly identified with Alzheimer's Disease during life.)
Dementia is broader term for all types of memory problem. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia cauterized with slow progression of disease and is not reversible yet.
