How is Alzheimer's different from dementia?

December 14, 2018

Healthcaretoday, Professor Dr Tan Maw Ping, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, ageing, aging, memory loss, difficulty thinking, forgetfulness, Alzheimer's awareness, forget me not, caregiver support, brain health, Alzheimer's research, cure Alzheimer's,

The possibility of getting dementia increases dramatically the minute a person turns 60.

By Professor Dr Tan Maw Ping,
Director, Department of Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Malaya.

Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities, including memory loss, difficulty with thinking and problem-solving, and challenges with language and communication skills. These symptoms can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily activities independently, leading to increased reliance on caregivers and support systems.

Types of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known type of dementia, but it is far from the only one. There are various types and causes of dementia, including:

Lewy body dementia: Often linked to Parkinson’s disease, this type can cause visual hallucinations and fluctuations in alertness.
Frontotemporal dementia: This affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality and behavior.
Vascular dementia: Caused by strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain, this type can lead to cognitive decline following a stroke.
Parkinson's disease dementia: This occurs in some individuals with Parkinson's disease and can develop years after the onset of motor symptoms.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: A rare but rapidly progressing form of dementia caused by prion infections.
Huntington's disease: A genetic disorder that leads to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, causing cognitive decline.
Mixed dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia, commonly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Prevalence of dementia
The prevalence of dementia increases dramatically with age. For individuals aged 60 and above, the risk of developing dementia rises significantly. By the age of 80, the risk escalates to 20%, meaning that one in five people in this age group may have dementia. Conversely, the likelihood of developing dementia before the age of 60 is very low, unless a hereditary form of the disease is present.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that progresses slowly. For instance, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may experience gradual deterioration over seven years, making independent functioning increasingly challenging.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the prevalence of dementia in Malaysia was approximately 123,000 people in 2015. This number is projected to rise to 261,000 by 2030 and may reach 590,000 by 2050 if current trends continue.

Stages of dementia
Dementia progresses through several stages, each characterized by specific symptoms:
1. No impairment: At this stage, there are no noticeable signs of dementia, and individuals can function independently.

2. Very mild cognitive impairment: Symptoms are barely noticeable, often mistaken for normal aging, such as misplacing items but easily finding them again.

3. Mild dementia: Patients can typically perform basic daily activities but may experience:

Forgetfulness and memory loss
Repetition of questions or stories
Difficulty managing finances
Confusion while driving

4. Moderate dementia: Routine tasks become challenging, and symptoms may include:

Increased memory loss
Incontinence issues
Difficulty finding the right words
Social withdrawal

5. Moderately severe dementia: Individuals require assistance with daily activities, and symptoms may include:

Inability to remember personal details, such as home addresses
Confusion about time and place
Need for help with clothing selection

6. Severe dementia: Caregivers play a crucial role at this stage, as patients may experience:

Difficulty with dressing and personal hygiene
Wandering and getting lost
Changes in personality, including paranoia or hallucinations

7. Very severe dementia: This final stage includes:

Loss of language skills and awareness of surroundings
Requiring help to eat and manage bodily functions
Loss of muscle control, affecting mobility and basic functions

Understanding dementia, its types, prevalence, and stages is crucial for raising awareness, improving care, and supporting those affected by this complex condition. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can foster a more informed and compassionate society for individuals living with dementia and their families.