Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline that makes it hard to function in everyday life. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, falls under the umbrella of dementia and is also the most common cause of this condition. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not.
Alzheimer’s—a degenerative brain disease—is caused by complex brain changes following neuron damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time, with the most common being trouble remembering new information. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more serious and include behavior changes, memory problems, disorientation, and severe confusion. Eventually, basic functions like speaking, walking, and swallowing become difficult.

The warning signs of dementia include:

– Difficulty with Everyday Tasks — People with dementia may find it increasingly difficult to do things like keep track of expenses, follow a cooking recipe, or perform other simple, everyday tasks. It may also be difficult to concentrate on tasks, take much longer to complete them, or have difficulties completing them.
– Repetition — Asking the same question repeatedly or telling the same story multiple times are common signs of mild or moderate dementia.
– Communication Problems — People with dementia may have trouble joining in conversations or following along with them, or they might stop abruptly in the middle of a thought or struggle to think of certain words or names.
– Getting Lost — People with dementia may have difficulty with visual and spatial abilities that can manifest in problems like getting lost while walking or driving.
– Personality Changes — Personality changes are another signification for dementia which often manifest as acting anxious, confused, fearful or suspicious. They may also become upset easily or lose interest in activities and seem depressed.
– Confusion About Time and Place — Perhaps one of the most concerning symptoms of dementia is when people forget where they are or cannot remember how they got there. In addition to this, another worrisome sign is disorientation about time — for example, routinely forgetting what day of the week it is or what month it is.
– Troubling Behavior — Troubling behavior includes having increasingly poor judgment when handling money or neglecting grooming and personal hygiene.

The warnings signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:

– Memory loss that disrupts daily life
– Challenges in planning or solving problems
– Difficulty completing familiar tasks
– Confusion with time or place
– Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations
– New problems in speaking or writing
– Misplacing things
– Losing the ability to retrace steps
– Decreased or poor judgment
– Withdrawal from work or social activities
– Changes in mood and personality

There are several diagnostic tests that can help determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease, although no single test exists. Often included in an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are:

– Medical history
– Mental cognitive status tests
– Physical exam and diagnostic tests
– Brain imaging
– Neurological exam

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia, come to Broadway Family Clinic today. Our medical professionals are experienced in managing Alzheimer’s and dementia and can help you improve your quality of life. Call us today to book an appointment with our Alzheimer’s and dementia specialist. We serve patients from Pearland TX, Shadow Creek Ranch TX, Southern Trail TX, Pomona TX, Southlake TX, Sienna Plantation TX, Fresno TX, Manvel TX and Rosharon TX.