Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: Questions answered

Dementia is a common term that describes a slow decline in general awareness and cognition, whereas, Alzheimer’s is defined by a significant difficulty in recalling recent events. One will witness impaired judgement along with behavioral issues. Lewy Body Dementia may present with visual hallucinations and fluctuations in awareness and attention spans. Alzheimer’s Disease is under the dementia umbrella, (I did not realize this) and it worsens with time; it affects memory, language and thought. Despite dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease being most common in adults over 65, neither is or should be considered an “expected part of the normal aging process.”

The cause of Alzheimer’s according to my research is abnormal accumulation of Amyloid Plaques and Tau Protein Tangles. The research shows that these two “devils” are caused by health, environmental and lifestyle factors along with DNA.

It most often occurs after age 65, though younger people can get it. Alzheimer’s causes brain cells to die along with the connections between the brain cells to break down.

The brain and the heart share the same blood vessels, so, it is most important to take in high value fat. This would include monosaturated fats such as olive oil, avocados and various nuts.

Limit saturated/transfats such as processed oils as they can cause inflammation and cognitive and memory issues. If our brains don’t get enough fat, particularly essential fatty acids like Omega 3s, this deprives the brain of vital structural building blocks, and because the brain is 60 percent (at least) fat, an inadequate consumption can impart cell membrane integrity, reduce cognitive performance, disrupt neurotransmitter function and negatively affect mood regulation.

Early symptoms of dementia would be:

●      Occasional forgetfulness

●      Losing track of time

●      Losing your way in familiar settings

Progressive symptoms would be:

●      Frequent forgetfulness

●      Added confusion

●      Repetitive questioning

●      Poor hygiene and decision-making

Advanced symptoms would be:

●      Unable to care for yourself

●      Can’t recall familiar people

●      Behavior changes

●      Depression and aggression

All dementias can cause inability to think, memory impairment and/or communication pathology.

Alzheimer’s symptoms would include inability to recall recent events, conversations or events, apathy, depression, poor judgement, disorientation and confusion, behavioral changes, and difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking in advanced stages of the disease.

As far as the consensus goes on how to prevent these disorders—up to 45 percent of dementia and Alzheimer’s can be delayed or prevented by modifying key lifestyles and health factors early in life.

Protecting your brain involves managing physical health risks, remaining active and keeping your mind and social life engaged in such fashions:

1) Control BP

2) Manage blood sugar

3) Address hearing and vision loss

4) Treat mental health

5) Exercise regularly and eat healthy

6) Do not smoke or drink

7) Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours)

8) Protect your head from concussions

9) Challenge your brain regularly

10) Make and keep friends in your life

Again, remember that the brain is mostly FAT, so it NEEDS fat, so consume good quality fats. If you need a comprehensive list, Google: “list of high quality fats” and know these are easy to consume (good eating)!