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In the realm of cognitive disorders, it’s vital to understand the nuances that set Alzheimer’s disease and dementia apart. While Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia, the distinction lies in the scope and underlying causes of these conditions. Dementia is a broader term encompassing various cognitive impairments. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can exhibit similar cognitive and behavioral symptoms, making distinguishing between the two challenging. The two may appear identical in memory loss, disorientation, difficulty in communication, and impaired judgment. Now, let’s compare the differences between the two.
Definition:
Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific and progressive brain disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
Dementia: Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, but there are other types, such as vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Cause:
Alzheimer’s Disease: The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
Dementia:
Dementia is a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions, not limited to Alzheimer’s. It can result from vascular issues, Lewy body disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
Progression:
Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s tends to progress gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. It typically follows a predictable pattern of decline.
Dementia: The progression of dementia can vary depending on its underlying cause. Some types of dementia may progress more rapidly than Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms:
Alzheimer’s Disease: Common early symptoms include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and changes in mood and behavior. As it progresses, individuals may have trouble with language and motor skills.
Dementia: Symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, difficulty with communication, disorientation, impaired reasoning, and changes in behavior and personality. The specific symptoms can vary based on the underlying cause.
Diagnosis:
Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis is often made through a comprehensive assessment that includes medical history, cognitive tests, and brain imaging. A definitive diagnosis in the past was only made by examining brain tissue after death but improvements have been made so that it can now be diagnosed through PET scan imaging and examining cerebrospinal fluid through lumbar puncture.
Dementia: Dementia is diagnosed by evaluating a person’s cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause may require additional tests and investigations.
Treatment:
Alzheimer’s Disease: There are medications available to help manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s and slow its progression, but there is no cure.
Dementia: Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and manage symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may be reversible if the underlying cause is treatable.
Prevention:
Alzheimer’s Disease: While there is no surefire way to prevent Alzheimer’s, some lifestyle factors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and cognitive stimulation may help reduce the risk.
Dementia:
Prevention strategies often focus on addressing the risk factors associated with the specific type of dementia, such as managing cardiovascular health to reduce the risk of vascular dementia.
It’s essential to remember that both Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia require a medical diagnosis and professional management. If you or someone you know is experiencing cognitive changes, seeking medical advice from a healthcare provider is crucial for proper evaluation and care and to know what stage you or your loved one are in to ensure timely and appropriate care.
*Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s Association Report: 2020 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2020;16(3):391-460.
At Sage Infusion, we recently started treating patients with Leqembi, recently approved by FDA in July 2023. Leqembi treatment is recommended for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease as diagnosed and referred by their physician. Leqembi is designed to target stage 2 and stage 3 of the disease as outlined in the chart above.
According to NBC Health News statements released July 6, 2023, “Leqembi, from Japanese drugmaker Eisai and U.S.-based drugmaker Biogen, targets a type of protein in the brain called beta-amyloid, long thought by scientists to be one of the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease. In a phase 3 clinical trial of 1,795 patients with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage disease, progression of the illness was slowed by 27% over an 18-month period.”
Visit https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/leqembi-alzheimers-drug-fda-approval-eisai-biogen-rcna92377 to read the full news story.
Sage Infusion continues to expand options for our patients by adding the ability to service newly approved medications including Leqembi. We administer several medications across specialties and diagnoses to help close to a 1000 patients per month. Our team keeps a pulse on new to market drugs as well as drugs needed to service our patients.
Sage Infusion Can Help
At Sage Infusion, we provide expert patient-centered infusion care in a contemporary boutique environment. Sage Infusion eases your medical burdens by handling the care coordination process, including insurance authorization and patient progress updates. Our flexible scheduling meets our patient’s needs with extended hours. Day, night, and weekend appointments are available. Our physician assistants and nurse practitioners follow the National Infusion Center Association guidelines and our proprietary clinical protocols. Sage Infusion offers a variety of comforting amenities, and patients can choose to receive treatment in the open lounge or private room.
With locations in The Villages – Lake Sumter, Fort Myers, Clearwater, Orlando, Sarasota, and Tampa. Sage Infusion offers the best infusion and administration facilities in the Sunshine State. At Sage Infusion, we’ve reimagined patient care. From a quick start, to upfront pricing and financial assistance to compassionate care by our clinical experts in a serene environment, you will experience the highest quality infusion care at the most affordable cost.
352-565-5553
sageinfusion.com/swwellness
910 Old Camp Road, Suite 196, The Villages, FL 32162
