Alzheimer's Disease:  Understanding Dementia

Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease affects men and women of all races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.  It is not a normal part of aging and no one is immune.  It is a fatal, progressive and degenerative disease that destroys brain cells.

Dementia
Dementia is an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain.  Symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, or language, severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.  A person with dementia may also experience changes in mood or behaviour.

Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse as more brain cells become damaged and eventually die.

Dementia is not a specific disease.  Many diseases can cause dementia, the most common being Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia (due to strokes).  Some of the other causes of dementia include Lewy Body disease, head trauma, fronto-temporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.  These conditions can have similar and overlapping symptoms.

Some treatable conditions can produce symptoms similar to dementia, for example, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, or mental illness.  It is therefore important to arrange for a full medical assessment as early as possible.

Getting a timely diagnosis can help you access information, resources and support through the Alzheimer Society, benefit from treatment, and plan ahead.

About the Brain
Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour
The Brain tour explains how the brain works and how Alzheimer's disease affects it.  To take the tour, click here.