Alzheimer’s Disease vs. Dementia

03 Apr Alzheimer’s Disease vs. Dementia

Elderly Problems: Alzheimer and Dementia

Elderly Problems: by Boomeryearbook.com

Of all the elderly problems, Alzheimer’s is among the most feared and dreaded; and with good reason. Who would want to live knowing that someday they will forget the ones they love and virtually everything else that makes them who they are? Yet, sadly, this is an elderly problem many must face; and the problem is reportedly growing as according to the Medic8 Family Health Guide, the number of people over the age of 65 sees a doubling increase in the incidence of this awful disease.

The symptoms of this particular elderly problem include memory loss, poor judgment, language impairment, loss of ability to mentally process and manipulate visual information, general restlessness or mood swings. As the disease progresses, it eventually takes away a person’s ability to function normally as the former personality is destroyed. In the beginning stages, concentration and memory loss may be easily missed or overlooked, as people tend to chalk them up to normal signs of aging. However, if you notice signs of confusion in ordinary non confusing situations or more frequent episodes of confusion and memory loss, it is best to look deeper and consider the possibility of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.

Dementia, unlike Alzheimer’s is not a specific disease. According to psychological articles, it is a generalized category or description for a collection of various symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. The most common symptom of dementia is memory loss, although that in and of itself does not mean that a person has dementia. Typically, for a diagnosis of dementia to occur, a patient must have two or more brain functions significantly impaired without a loss of consciousness; with memory typically being the foremost impairment.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia or certain forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, some types of dementia can be slowed with proper treatment. Some things that can be done to help improve brain function and possibly prevent dementia are brain teaser puzzles such as word finds, logic problems, mnemonics or learning memory aids, and online optical illusions. But whatever the symptoms and whatever the type of dementia it is always important to remember not to simply chalk memory loss up as just another elderly problem. The earlier you catch and diagnose the real problem, the better possibility of slowing the progression and maintaining a longer, higher quality of life.

Boomer Yearbook is Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!