Dementia vs. Alzheimer

Abstract

The process of aging will find our short-term memory and ability to process new information “not what it used to be.” This is the cognitive equivalent of creaky knees, an inconvenient reminder that we’re getting older. Dementia, though, is something different. With dementia, multiple areas of thinking are compromised and the deficits are likely to get worse. By definition, dementia means memory and other cognitive areas deteriorate to the point that everyday tasks and decisions become difficult and sometimes impossible. The causes of dementia are many, but in this country, Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for between 60% and 80% of dementia cases. Are there ways to avoid Alzheimer’s disease? Not according to the National Institutes of Health Conference on preventing Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.