What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

This is a common question and one that is both easy and difficult to answer. Dementia is the broad umbrella that covers cognitive decline, especially in older adults. It is differentiated from "Where did I put my car keys?' as you try to race out the door to finding the car keys and wondering, "Why aren't these in the refrigerator with the mixing bowl?" Dementia interferes with daily life in many ways making it difficult to complete daily tasks.
The largest number of those with dementia are individuals who have Alzheimer's disease. AD is a degenerative brain disease that impacts how the brain receives and interprets signals and information. It is progressive meaning that at first, symptoms are almost not discernible, but as these symptoms expand, life changes and becomes a mixture of confusion, frustration, anger, and often a sense of helplessness for both the person with AD and for the caregiver(s).
AD is not a normal part of aging - it is not something that everyone will experience. The disease is associated with aging but it may also arise from head trauma, PTS, familial genetics, or diabetes or cardio-vascular abnormalities. But then again, while the incidence of AD increases with age it does not mean that age is the cause.
For those who are wondering about brain function decline, there are several steps to take to fill you with knowledge. An accurate diagnosis is vital, a diagnosis that comes from a neurologist or gerontologist, doctors who are familiar with the brain and aging. The doctor's appointment may include a psycho-socio evaluation, cognitive testing or an MRI. The correct diagnosis may indicate that you are simply under stress, have an infection or other health problem or it may mean there is concern for cognitive challenges. The doctor's insight mean that the individual can make plans and seek guidance with a true understanding of physical and mental condition and what may lie on the road ahead.

Inspiration

In these difficult times it is important to find bits of inspiration to make your day easier and happier. I begin each day with reading. While I like to scan various newspapers and articles, I have found that often these just offer me confusion and discouragement. Instead I try to go straight to the latest book I am reading. Yesterday I finished Apeirogon by Colum McCann. And I tell you, I was inspired.
Now I read it thinking it was non-fiction. Never mind that it stated "novel", it felt like a true story. Two fathers, one Palestinian and one Israeli, have each lost a daughter, the first to a rubber bullet fired by an Israeli soldier the second by a bomb carried by a Palestinian. Each father (and all of the rest of the family) after some healing, had choices: hate? revenge? attacks? depression? reconciliation? I believe each father went through all of these potentials but each eventually chose reconciliation, finding each other in a group called Combatants for Peace. The title sounds as if placed in juxtaposition, actually it is a way for those who wish combat to find peace.
This book really sets the reader's mind into contemplation and wonder. What if everyone everywhere determined ways to just get along. That doesn't mean bobble-headed agreement but rather rich conversation, compromise, and forgiveness. Is it possible? The father Rami imagines a world with no walls, no lines, no separation, no demarkation - just understanding. I loved this image and many more throughout the book. It gave me hope.
Apeirogon is a geometric figure with an infinite amount of discernible sides. The figure may appear to be a circle but microscopic examination offers the viewer the tiny infinitesimal change that delineates the slight angle of each segment. An apeirogon, just like life, has infinite twists, turns, and possibilities. Which road, which decision, which manner of living... It is a perfect title for this thought-provoking book and for an engaged mind.
In the Epilogue I was reminded that although the book entailed research, many interviews, and much travel ultimately it was fiction. I felt disappointed and a touch angry until I went to my news reading a found an article about an Israeli who had been arrested and imprisoned for creating a series of online conversation meetings between Israelis and Palestinians designed for open discussion.
These individuals are trying to talk and solve rather than shoot and kill. This makes peace possible.

A Firm Promise Sometimes Slips to the Side

Each time a slip from writing this blog, I solemnly promise to not let it slip again. Then Voila!! I wrote March 8 and now it is April 10. Excuses - they abound. Reasons - there are even greater. Justification - none. And so I am back here to share some thoughts.
This coronavirus time is scary. Isolation, loneliness, confusion, frustration, resignation and so many more feelings and emotions have passed through me as I try to get my mind around what this stay-at-home time really means. I have accepted it as I have determined ways to make my minutes, hours, and days fruitful, but still I wonder... When will it end? How will it end? Where will I be? When will it come roaring back?
I truly believe the warnings we have been given. I have learned how one party, one gathering, one deep breath has led to multiple infections - some mild, some rough, some deadly. Regardless, the might of this particular virus must make us all pause and think about how our actions and reactions can effect those we love.
Not seeing my children and grandchildren - actually I see them daily with FaceTime and What's App - but not being able to hold and hug and cuddle and just chat personally with each one is hard. I thrive on love and this separation is challenging. Yet I accept that it is necessary. I appreciate the steps that Governor Sisolak has taken to protect us all. Closing hotels, casinos, restaurants - mainstays of Nevada livelihood is tough. But without his early decision, I can only imagine how this disease could have exploded even more. I know the resilience of family and friends and I know we will make it through, harried and exhausted perhaps, but whole and eventually stronger than ever.
Please - take care and stay safe.