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By Jacquelyn Buffo, MS, LPC, CAADC
October 06, 2023
The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer's disease” are used quite frequently and oftentimes interchangeably. You probably have a general idea of what these terms reference. However, you may be a bit confused as to what the difference is between them. Let's take an in-depth look at Alzheimer's disease including risks and protective factors, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in the United States, and ways to treat it.
When you think of dementia, it is helpful to think of it as a broad term used to describe a regression in cognitive ability that is severe enough to negatively impact your ability to function daily and to think of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as a specific type of dementia. Similar to how a dog is used to describe an animal, there are specific breeds that fall under the dog classification. Many people use dementia to describe AD and other neurogenerative disorders. For purposes of this piece, dementia and Alzheimer's disease will be used interchangeably.
Neurogenerative disorders, such as AD, refer to an impairment in your cognition, reasoning/judgment, and memory, and symptoms vary based on the type of dementia and other individualized factors. Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) can range in severity and the individual and can include:
AD is the most common form of dementia and other common neurogenerative disorders include:
If you or someone you love may be experiencing symptoms of AD or any form of dementia, you are not alone. As of 2021, research shows that approximately 6.2 million people in the United States 65 years old and above are suffering from AD. It is estimated that by 2060, that number could be as high as 13.8 million. Unfortunately, many people pass away from Alzheimer’s each year. In 2019, AD was the fifth leading cause of death for individuals 65 and older and the sixth leading cause of death for the general population; 121,499 death certificates indicate AD is the cause of death. The rate of deaths related to AD is increasing at a significant rate. Between 2000 and 2019, deaths from AD increased by 145%, which was higher than heart disease and stroke.
Dementia can be thought of as a brain disorder. More specifically, AD occurs when the nerves in the brain stop functioning properly, lose connection with other nerves in the brain, and eventually parish. Keep in mind that everyone loses brain cells as we age. However, individuals with dementia like AD lose brain cells at a much more rapid rate. Contrary to what you may think, dementia is not a normal part of the aging process, and millions of people age without experiencing symptoms of dementia.
Certain factors may make you more likely to develop dementia as you age. These symptoms include:
Additionally, social and behavioral factors combined with genetic risk factors can increase your risk of developing dementia. These factors include:
Not everyone who experiences one or more of these risk factors will develop dementia or AD and no two people are alike. Many factors combine to increase your risk for dementia.
While more research is needed, current research suggests that as much as 40% of your risk of developing dementia is impacted by changeable risk factors. What that means is that you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dementia and/or slowing the progression of the disease by making certain lifestyle changes. Factors that influence the development, severity of symptoms, and progression of AD may surprise you. Many studies have shown a strong correlation between physical exercise and dementia.
Among all of the behavioral and lifestyle factors that have been researched, regular physical exercise is one of the most influential in the development and progression of dementia. Research on the impact of physical exercise and dementia shows that:
Experts recommend a combination of different exercise regimes to receive the most benefit. It is recommended that you engage in a combination of strength training (resistance), endurance (aerobic), balance, and flexibility exercises. If you are thinking about incorporating more exercise into your lifestyle, start small and work your way up. Talk to your doctor about exercises that are appropriate for you based on your age, physical abilities, and other individualized factors. You don’t have to invest a lot of money to improve your health and reduce your risk for AD.
YouTube offers many free workouts that are specific to your age group and the type of exercise you are looking for. You can start by going for a leisurely walk and you can use items around your home when you engage in strength training exercises like soup cans or milk jugs. Still unsure about where to start? Ask your doctor for a referral for a personal trainer who specializes in working with individuals your age.
Additional protective factors include:
If you think you or someone you love may be experiencing symptoms of AD, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will give you a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether or not you meet the criteria for dementia. Your doctor may also perform:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AD. However, as we’ve learned, you can take steps to help improve the symptoms of AD, reduce the progression, and reduce your risk of developing dementia. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the risk or improve symptoms of dementia. Together, you can create a treatment plan that works for you. Your doctor may recommend making lifestyle changes such as increasing your physical activity and other treatment options such as medication.
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Jacquelyn Buffo began writing at the age of 10 when she won a county-wide essay contest explaining why her mother is worth her weight in gold. Since that time, she has written for several newspapers and a health and wellness blog. Her education and experience is in mental health and addiction. She is a licensed counselor and currently provides therapeutic services on an outpatient basis. Her counseling and substance abuse experience includes inpatient residential, in-home, and early recovery counseling. She is a certified addiction specialist and is working on obtaining her certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She also specializes in working with pregnant and post-partum women and has received advanced training on women's health.
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