Families often get confused on the difference between dementia and Alzheimers Disease(AD). This question comes up often for case managers left to explain the physicians professional language in ways that the average anxiety filled caregiver can understand.

The following are the three common forms of dementia: Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and lewy body dementia. Alzheimer's disease involves a loss of nerve cells in the areas of brain and other mental functions. Vascular dementia occurs when arteriesfeeding the brain becoming blocked. Lewy bodies develop within cells of mid-brain, beneath the cerebral hemispheres.

Remember(hah) -Dementia is not a disease, but rather a group of symptoms characterized by a decline in intellectual functioning severe enough to interfere with a person's normal daily activities and social relationships. Alzheimer's disease is one of the many types of dementia, but is the most common cause of dementia in older persons. It is marked by progressive and, at present, irreversible declines in certain cognitive functions

Dementia has many forms; including natural aging process. On the other hand Alzheimer's disease is defined as a form of dementia characterized by the gradual loss of several important mental functions. It is perhaps the most common cause of dementia in older Americans, and goes beyond just normal forgetfulness, such as losing your car keys or forgetting where you parked. Signs of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss that is much more severe and more serious than would be considered "normal", such as forgetting the names of your children or perhaps where you've lived for the last decade or two.Certain symptoms, as defined by the American Medical Association, of dementia include memory impairment, increased language difficulties, decreased motor skills, failure to recognized or identify objects, and disturbance of the ability to plan or think abstractly. Tests are available to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer's; and medications are available to slow down the progression of the disease.

Types of dementia include cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, frontal temporal dementia dementia pugilistica (boxer's, or repeated traumatic, dementia), and alcoholic dementia, as well as a few other rare conditions. Memory loss, problems with processing information, and impaired executive and planning functions are prominent signs of dementia. Hardening of the arteries was a common term used in previous generations to explain the changes associated with memory loss.The term "senility" is a term once common for memory loss attributes as well- it is not often used today. The problem with this word is that it conveys the idea that dementia is an inevitable concomitant of aging. While aging is the key risk factor for dementia, it is NOT the direct cause.

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People who have a parent or sibling that developed Alzheimer’s disease are two to three times more likely to develop the disease than those with no family history of Alzheimer’s. If more than one close relative has been affected, the risk increases even more. Scientists have identified two kinds of genes that are associated with this familial risk factor. The first is thought to be a “risk gene.” The second kind of gene is a “deterministic gene” and is much rarer than risk genes. Deterministic genes are only found in a few hundred extended families around the world. If a deterministic gene is inherited, the person will undoubtedly develop Alzheimer’s, probably at a much earlier age. Families need to be aware in order to reduce the onset of Alzheimer's.

A maternal history of Alzheimer's disease appears to predispose individuals to the mind-robbing disease because their brains aren't using glucose efficiently, according to new findings presented at the Alzheimer's Association 2008 International Alzheimer's Disease Conference held in Chicago.

Evidence is also mounting for the promotion of exercise and a healthy diet to reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, remaining socially active, and engaging in intellectual pursuits have also been shown to have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease. If you believe your loved one may have symptoms have them tested and seek professional advice from a specialist.