Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or in writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability retracing steps
8. Decreased or poor judgement
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood or personality

Dementia is a symptom of Alzheimer's Disease.

 Though the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age, the disease is not a normal part of aging. And though most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, approximately 200,000 Americans under 65 are living with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers believe there isn't a single cause of Alzheimer's disease. It likely develops from multiple factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and environment. Scientists have identified factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. While some risk factors — age, family history and heredity — can't be changed, emerging evidence suggests there may be other factors we can influence.

1. Age
2. Family history
3. Genetics
4. Other risk factors such as head injury or heart conditions

The FDA has approved two types of medications for Alzheimer's, which are classified as follows:

1. Medications that provide temporary relief for some of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
2. Medications that alter the progression of the disease in individuals living with Alzheimer's.

It is crucial to have a conversation with a healthcare e professional to determine whether any treatment is suitable. A medical professional experienced in administering these medications should oversee their usage and provide information that can assist individuals in making informed decisions regarding their treatment and overall care.

Non-pharmacological considerations are maintaining familiarity in people and environment. Establishing and being consistent with routines as even the smallest of changes can precipitate  significant distress. 

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or in writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability retracing steps
8. Decreased or poor judgement
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood or personality

Dementia is a symptom of Alzheimer's Disease.

Dementia is a condition that results from various diseases damaging brain cells. This damage disrupts the normal communication between brain cells, which in turn affects an individual's thinking, behavior, and emotions.

The brain is divided into many regions, each with a distinct responsibility such as memory, judgment, and movement. When cells in a specific area are damaged, that region is unable to function normally, which can lead to cognitive decline.

While most changes in the brain that cause dementia are permanent and worsen over time, thinking and memory problems caused by the following conditions may improve when the condition is treated or addressed:

1. Depression.
2. Medication side effects.
3. Excess use of alcohol.
4. Thyroid problems.
5. Vitamin deficiencies.

 Underlying or acute medical conditions may cause patients to express dementia and if promptly treated symptoms may be reversable.