What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's ? is a frequent question . The physicians are some of the best at confusing us. Doctors look like to like better the word "dementia," maybe since Alzheimer's has develop into such a loaded word. "Dementia" somehow sounds less scary to various people, and at this time even the experts have started using the expressions interchangeably.

They are not the same. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are two very different diseases.

Dementia is a warning sign. Pain is a warning sign, and countless various injuries and illnesses can set off pain. At the time you go to the doctor as you hurt, you will not be happy if the doctor diagnoses just "pain" and sends you home. You want to see what is causing the pain, and the way to heal it.

"Dementia" only indicates the indicator of a weakening of the brain skills resulting from an unidentified disease or disorder of the brain.

Alzheimer's Disease is one of the diseases or disorders that causes dementia. A lot of other illnesses or "syndromes" can also cause dementia. Parkinson's Disease might cause dementia. A stroke can cause dementia. Even drying out may cause dementia.

countless of the unidentified things that can cause dementia can be treated, even potentially curable.

If you took your elder parents to the physician and received a a opinion of "dementia" you have not got an opinion at all. Unless you know what is the reason for the dementia you can not start to handle it's root cause.

If your physician has found "dementia" it is the time for additional judgment. You are most likely dealing either with a physician who is not comfortable with the reality, or one who does not distinguish how (or does not wish to trouble) to differentiate between all the possible reasons of dementia. Either way, an expert geriatrician or a neurologist who is comfortable with seniors would be a good place to start.