How To Differentiate Between Dementia And Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms?

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016

Question: My mother turned 88 on Sept. 11th! When transporting her to Walmart recently I noticed she overlooked one of the merchandise she had originally had planned to acquire.What I believed was dementia on occasion like forgetting where objects were and obligations. However, in the last 48 hours I've observed forgetting why she came to Walmart for pharma, as well as forgetting where a key was that she commonly used for enter the house. How do you differentiate Dementia fom Altmeyers?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Only memory problems doesn't mean necessarily dementia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

By Altmeyer you mean Alzheimer, right?

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that memory, thinking and social functioning.

Only memory loss doesn't mean there is dementia, other aspects and changes such language impairment, motor functions impairment, disorientation, psychological changes (depression, personality changes, inappropriate behavior etc.) are present in a person suffering from dementia.

Alzheimer's is one of the most common causes of dementia.

Other causes include vascular dementia (repeated ministrokes), frontotemporal dementia.

So, if your mother manifests other symptoms, besides memory loss on occasion, in that case you can think about dementia.

In my opinion, memory problems of your mother are age related.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (51 minutes later)

Thanks Dr Spaho! I would say yes that she does exhibit other symptoms including inappropriate behavior in being restrained from telling off a McDonalds fast food clerk for messing up an order. Additionally, not pronouncing words accurately, and occasional disorientation with common task. She has had a history of TIA strokes over the years so I am wondering whether I need to share these facts with her primary care physician? Would a medication help with these signs of dementia?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

In this case then, it may be the starting of vascular dementia, a condition caused by repeated ministrokes and TIA-s, affecting different areas of the brain.

Without a doubt you should discuss about these issues with your mother's primary care Doctor.

Treatment about controlling risk factors such high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and use of low doses of aspirin slow the progression of this condition.

It may be necessary also treatment about behavior changes too.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee