Both dementia and Alzheimer's disease can be debilitating and life altering. The beginning stages of these conditions can leave an individual feeling frightened and helpless. Certain tests can be taken to determine whether an individual has dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other causes of memory loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, with the use of lab tests, brain scans and advanced screening equipment, doctors can accurately diagnose 90 percent of Alzheimer's cases, though only after death can a completely accurate diagnoses be made.
Disease Vs. Disorder
According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer's is a disease caused by deterioration in the brain tissues. Dementia is not a disease, rather a disorder that is described as a loss of memory and changes in a person's behavior. And while there are many causes of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause.
Temporary Vs. Progressive
According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia is sometimes caused by a reaction to medications, a nutritional deficiency or an infection. In these cases, dementia is temporary and can be improved and reversed with treatment. Alzheimer's is always progressive and cannot be cured. Progressive causes of dementia include Huntington's disease, HIV, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and dementia pugilistica.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for Alzheimer's disease differ from those of dementia and most cannot be changed. According to the Mayo Clinic, sex, heredity and cognitive impairments can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Certain risk factors for dementia, however, can be changed. Alcohol use, blood pressure, smoking and cholesterol are all factors that can be changed.
Treatments
Certain drugs can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine work in the brain and are effective in some individuals for the treatment of Alzheimer's. Others, however, see no improvements and experience agitation and delusional behavior. Alternative medications include huperzine A and Ginko. Treatments for dementia include the same medications, though alternative medications differ, such as coenzyme Q10 and Omega-3. Routine behaviors like establishing routines can also help decrease confusion.
