You may not realize that actually, Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of Dementia, and is the most common form. Other types are “Vascular Dementia” and “Lewy Body Dementia” which are the two other more uncommon types of the disease.
Dementia in itself is a brain disease that lodges into the hippocampus of the brain. It effects memory, judgment, and interferes with ones’ ability to follow directions, or to carry out everyday tasks like cooking, grooming, cleaning, shopping, and escalating to becoming unable to feed yourself. In all cases of Dementia, these symptoms are prevalent in all forms, but Alzheimer’s Disease, being the most common form actually attacks the brain and causes the death of brain cells and neurons over time.
Vascular Dementia is caused by damage to blood vessels that supply energy to the brain. It is common among those who have had strokes, heart or vascular disease. Brain functionality decreases due to the lack the oxygen to function properly due to decreased circulation.
Lewy Body Dementia is sometimes called “Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, both of which have toxic accumulations of proteins called alpha-synuclein.
If you notice a worsening cognitive functionality with a loved one, such as memory lapses, a change in personality or decline in their daily function it is likely time to be checked out by a doctor. With proper treatment there are ways to slow down the progression of the disease. In some cases, your memory lapses may be temporary as well. It’s common for symptoms of depression to escalate into dementia, or it could result from a side effect of drugs, a vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, head trauma or addiction like alcoholism.
There are other lifestyle choices that may need to be looked into if you are experiencing symptoms of Dementia. Exercise can be a great way to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, and there are numerous clinical trials of new drugs that we are seeing amazing results with! Watch what you are eating, and make sure that your diet is rich in Vitamin A, E & C. (Covered in the next article).
