Feature Article: Dementia versus Alzheimer’s Disease
Understanding the distinction between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is essential for individuals affected by these conditions, their caregivers, and their healthcare practitioners. In simple terms, dementia is an “umbrella” term used to describe a significant decline in cognitive functioning that interferes with an individual’s activities of daily living. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and is the most common cause of dementia. It is characterized by specific symptoms and progression patterns, including memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes [1,2].
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a general term that is used to describe a decline in cognitive functioning, including a decline in memory, reasoning, thinking, problem-solving, and language skills, as well as changes in mood and behavior that are severe enough to impact activities of daily living [1,3]. Symptoms of dementia are progressive and gradually worsen over time [3].
There are many different types of dementia, and many conditions can cause it, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases [3]. Dementia is classified based on its underlying cause, including vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal, among others. While each type of dementia has distinct characteristics, they often share similar symptoms, including memory loss (both short- and long-term) and confusion, as well as difficulty with thinking, problem-solving, and language skills that impact the ability to perform activities of daily living, and changes in mood or behavior [1,3].
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that typically manifests through a progressive loss of memory and cognitive function, which causes language and learning difficulties, and is often accompanied by behavioral changes, including apathy, aggression, and depression [4]. The hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s disease include the development of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These contribute to the death of neurons and the breakdown of neural connections in the brain. Alzheimer’s disease typically affects older individuals, and while it doesn’t directly cause death, it significantly increases the risk of other complications, which can eventually lead to death [3].
Alzheimer’s disease is classified into stages based on the level of cognitive impairment and disability. The stages of Alzheimer’s disease include the pre-symptomatic stage (preclinical), mild cognitive impairment stage, and dementia stage. The dementia stage is further categorized into mild, moderate, and severe [2]. Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease often include memory loss, most notably forgetting recently learned information, as well as planning and problem-solving challenges, difficulty performing familiar tasks, and confusion with place and time. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and include significant memory loss and impaired judgment, as well as difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking [2].
Treatment for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
While there is no cure for most types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, early diagnosis and intervention, including medications, cognitive therapy, lifestyle changes, and support, can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the cognitive decline, and improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers.
Additionally, research continues to advance and uncover details about the causes of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Research efforts aim to develop more effective treatments and, hopefully, a cure.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Physical Therapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life of individuals affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions often lead to a physical decline, which affects mobility, balance, and overall health and well-being. A Physical Therapist can design an individualized treatment plan to address unique symptoms to help maintain the best possible quality of life while improving mobility, balance, and coordination and decreasing pain.
References
- Alzheimer Society of Canada. Difference Between Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias. Alzheimer Society of Canada. https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-alzheimers-disease/difference-between-alzheimers-disease-other-dementias. Accessed November 12, 2024.
- Kumar A, Sidhu J, Lui F, et al. Alzheimer Disease. [Updated 2024 Feb 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499922/
- Alzheimer's Association. Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s. Accessed November 12, 2024.
- Ji J, Zhang X, Wang Y, et al. The role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. J Biomed Sci. 2019;26:52. doi:10.1186/s12929-019-0524-y.
