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What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general name that we use to describe a decline in a person’s ability to think, remember or make decisions, which interferes with their daily life. Several diseases can cause dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The symptoms of dementia typically worsen over time. These might also be due to conditions that are treatable or reversible, such as depression, vitamin deficiency, or thyroid problems. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment options.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that slowly kills brain cells and causes declines in memory and thinking skills. It is one of the most common causes of dementia. In early stages, people might have minimal number of symptoms, but as the disease progresses, the person is unable to care for themselves and requires 24-hour care.
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. It might be normal for individuals to occasionally misplace their car keys or forget an acquaintance’s name. However, if such forgetting begins to affect your daily life, it is important to see your doctor. There are some treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease, and it is important to ask about them early.
Are Latinos at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Hispanic/Latino Americans are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease than white Americans. They tend to experience a number of risk factors that increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other causes of dementia. Dr. Maria Mora Pinzon, Physician-Scientist at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, shares more about some of those factors here.
Is having poor memory a sure sign of Alzheimer’s disease?
While it’s true that Alzheimer’s disease causes memory problems, not all signs of poor memory are due to the condition. Other factors, such as aging, stress, and other medical conditions, including different types of dementia, can cause forgetfulness.
In this article from the National Institute of Aging, discover how to recognize and seek help for poor memory and learn more about the differences between poor memory and Alzheimer’s.
When should you seek help?
Seeking help when you suspect a problem with your memory is an essential step to taking care of your health. Catching memory problems sooner than later improves the chances of treating them; sometimes, they are reversible. Knowing what signs to look for and when to get an evaluation could make all the difference. Learn more about the signs of memory loss and what to expect in an evaluation.
Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet – From the National Institute on Aging
How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?
Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
Take the BrainGuide Quiz
Looking to keep your brain healthy? This platform has resources tailored to you and your loved ones. You can complete a quiz online or over the phone to see if you should talk to a healthcare professional about your memory or a loved one’s memory. It takes less than ten minutes to complete, and all the responses are confidential.
Next: Resources for taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer's or another dementia
Taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s or any other dementia can be challenging. Managing the day-to-day care for your loved one can be a difficult task. But don't worry, we're here to help! Here are some resources that will make your life a lot easier.