What are the differences between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia"?

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What are the major differences between the two? Are the psychological symptoms different in patients depending on what they have? Please give specific details.
Thank you for responding.
Dementia is a progressive loss of mental abilities often associated with old age, but some younger people may develop dementia in certain circumstances.

Some causes of dementia are Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (similar to mad cow disease), Vascular or Multi-Infarction Dementia (caused by lack of normal blood flow to the brain), HIV/AIDS, head injury, and Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease is characterized by abnormal structures in the brain called "plaques" and "tangles." No one is 100% certain what causes the disease, but there does seem to be a hereditary component. For example, Down's Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease often run in the same families and people with Down's Syndrome commonly develop Alzheimer's Disease in old age.

This is purely my opinion, but I think think Alzheimer's Disease is overdiagnosed. I believe many people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease may actually have other forms of dementia.

My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease shortly after being hospitalized for congestive heart failure. I think my mother really had Vascular Dementia.  (+ info)

Is Alzheimer's disease found in other species besides humans?

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I was playing catch with my dog earlier today and it got me thinking...you never hear of cases in which animals develop Alzheimer's disease...made me wonder if diet has something to do with it?
That's a great question. The symptoms of Alzheimers have to do with someone's memory. I wouldn't doubt that other animals develop it, but due to limited communication the symptons wouldn't be as prominant. Most alzheimer patients understand basic commands, who they are (even if they think they're in the past) and basic human needs. dogs are on this level all the time... maybe you'd see them act differently around neighbors or friends as they get older, but most people would write that off as the dog just getting old and grumpy... sweet question though.  (+ info)

What are the main differences between Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease?

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A member of my family has been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia so the more detail someone can give me, the better. Many thanks.
Vascular dementia is caused by narrowing arteries cutting off oxygen supply to the brain cells - proper medication can really help/even improve mental function IF brain cells haven't been impaired by a stroke. No one yet knows what causes Alzheimer's, but there are connections to the brain not being able to rid itself of waste materials the same way "normal" brains do and that's what many of the meds work on. An Alzheimer's diagnosis is more discouraging because the medications are still all pretty new/experimental and only slow down the progress of the disease, at best. Chances are, with Vascular Dementia, if your family member is able to exercise a little, gets really good nutrition and treatments that clear out arteries, there's a chance for a better quality of life than with Alzheimer's. Good for you for caring enough to search out answers!  (+ info)

What are the differences between Parkison disease and Alzheimer's?

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No worry Aer, have a great day :) but do come back to read any good sharing.
Parkinson's:
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results from degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement.

I'ts most common symptoms are tremors or trembling of a limb, especially when the body is at rest, slow movement, an inability to move, rigid limbs, a shuffling gait, and stooped posture.

Read more about Parkinson's here - http://www.agingcare.com/Health-Conditions/1140/Parkinson-s-Disease/

Alzheimer's:
Alzheimer's Disease attacks the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia and the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S.

It's most common symptoms are forgetfulness, inability to recognize familiar faces, confusion.

Read more about Alzheimer's Disease - http://www.agingcare.com/Health-Conditions/1133/Alzheimer-s-Dementia/  (+ info)

An elderly with Alzheimer's Disease confuses day with night and does not take dinners. What to do?

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She blocks her mouth with her hands and asks others not to force her to eat.
  (+ info)

Alzheimer's disease is most closely linked to the deterioration of neurons that produce:?

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Alzheimer's disease is most closely linked to the deterioration of neurons that produce:
A)dopamine.
B)acetylcholine.
C)epinephrine.
D)endorphins.
a  (+ info)

What can I do to help keep alzheimer's disease a bay?

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I have heard it may be a sort of vitamin defficiency. I am beginning to have memory problems, which is why I am wondering.
You may not like this, (I do) but....smoke marijuana.

If you do a google search on the term marijuana + alzheimer's, you get more than a half a million hits.

Basically, "The active ingredient of marijuana could be considerably better at suppressing the abnormal clumping of malformed proteins that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's than any currently approved drugs prescribed for the treatment of the disease.

Scientists report the finding in the Oct. 2 issue of the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

About 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, which gradually destroys memory. As more people survive into old age, cases of Alzheimer's disease are expected to triple over the next 50 years. There is no known cure.

The researchers looked at THC, the compound inside marijuana responsible for its action on the brain. Computer models suggested THC might inhibit an enzyme with the tongue-twisting name of acetylcholinesterase (also called AChE) that is linked with Alzheimer's."

So, this is why you never see old hippies with Alzheimer's.

Link to search in source list below.  (+ info)

Can deodorant based with 19% aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly (anhydrous) lead to Alzheimer's disease?

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Can deodorant (antiperspirant) based with 19% aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly (anhydrous) lead to Alzheimer's disease?
I have heard that and also that it causes breast cancer. Only an expert knows for sure.  (+ info)

How long can Alzheimer's disease "take" from first symptoms 'til complete and permanent loss of control?

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That's basically the question. If a person of 60 is diagnosed with the earliest stage of Alzheimer's - how long (maximum) can it take until the person loses the last bit of memories, ability to live alone etc.? More like one year, five, ten or twenty? Thanks!
Edit: thanks folks, very helpful already. It's not a "real" problem though, I'm just researching for a short story. :-)
It could be 10 years plus but some sufferers deteriorate more quickly than others.
You should be asking your doctor this question.
There are medications which slow the progress of Alzheimer's Disease but as already mentioned your doctor will advise.
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What is the youngest age someone can develop Alzheimer's disease?

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Where can I find research on people developing Alzheimer's disease early?
Usually after age 60.

But....... There is another type. Check out the website below - it could start as early as 30.

"Familial"Alzheimer disease is an uncommon form of Alzheimer's that comes on earlier in life (usually between 30 and 60 years) and is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. There are a number of types of familial (or early-onset) AD, which are identified by their genetics and other characteristics such as the age of onset. As a whole, this form of the disease only accounts for roughly 10% to 15% of all cases of AD. histology, familial AD is practically indistinguishable from other forms of the disease.  (+ info)

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