Difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (Essay Sample)

Essay on Dementia Student name Affiliated institution Course Instructor Due date Difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are two different conditions altogether. Dementia is not a specific illness but a generic term for various symptoms such as poor memory, thinking, or decision-making that interferes with everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent type of dementia (Keltner & Steele, 2018). It is characterized by the gradual damage of brain cells, leading to memory loss and a deterioration in other elements of cognition. Modifiable risk factors for vascular neurocognitive Modifiable risk factors are conditions that one can take measures to change in order to decrease their chances of developing certain diseases. The risk factors for vascular neurocognitive disorder include increasing age, history of heart disease, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking (Keltner & Steele, 2018). Among them, a caregiver or patient can take measures such as regular exercise, stress reduction, and eating a healthy diet to modify blood pressure and prevent diabetes. Moreover, maintaining a healthy and low-fat diet can help one lower their cholesterol level and to avoid blockage of arteries. Finally, by quitting smoking, damage to blood vessels can be prevented. Importance of knowing the type of dementia a patient has developed. Although everyone with dementia has a unique experience, knowing the specific type of dementia a person has allows family members and caregivers to tailor their treatment accordi...