Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Dementia? Alzheimer's? What's the difference??? Our continuing series...

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 A frequently asked question about Alzheimer's disease is "What's the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's?".  Let's try to look at this in terms we are all familiar with.  When a person becomes ill, they may have a fever.  The fever is not the illness that they are suffering from, but rather it's a symptom.  The cause of the fever could range from anything as simple as a cold to something more complex like peritonitis.  In this case, it's easy to see that a prompt and proper diagnosis is crucial in order to properly treat the illness, or cause of the fever.
 We can think of Dementia like a fever, it's not the disease, but rather a symptom, and is not necessarily a normal part of aging.  There are many causes of Dementia, some of which are reversible.  Unfortunately, more than 70% are attributed to Alzheimer's.  Whenever Dementia presents itself, the person showing it's signs should be checked out thoroughly.  The significance of a correct and prompt diagnosis could make all the difference in putting the patient on the proper track.
 For more information on Alzheimer's, visit www.alz.org .

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