Mental Health

Alzheimer’s vs. dementia: What’s the difference?

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably. But it’s important to know how they relate to one another — and that they’re not a normal part of aging. Here’s what you need to know. 

Illustration of 2 hands pulling strings on each side of the brain

Dementia is a broad term that refers to a collection of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. There are many types of dementia, including Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. Causes can include balloon-like clumps of protein, a breakdown of key nerve cells, and damage to key blood vessels, respectively.

Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that gets worse over time. And it’s the most common cause of dementia. Early signs can include trouble remembering new things, difficulty following instructions, and confusion with time and place. As it progresses, memory loss becomes more severe and everyday activities like walking, speaking, and swallowing become difficult.

5 quick tips for everyday brain health

Here are five ways to help keep your brain sharp and healthy.

  1. Stay active. Exercise regularly to keep blood flow to your brain and build nerve connections.
  2. Get your z’s. Sleeping well helps boost your memory.
  3. Eat healthy foods. A healthy diet will help increase your mental focus.
  4. Say yes to chatting. Socializing can help prevent memory loss.
  5. Challenge yourself. Keep your brain busy. Try a new language or try a new kind of puzzle.

Independence Day Word ScrambleFireworks

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. And Independence Day is on the way. Exercise your brain with this USA-themed word scramble.

  1. ILYBTER
  2. ALGF
  3. TPESRIS
  4. RSAST
  5. ERD
  6. ETHWI
  7. LEUB

ANSWERS:

1. LIBERTY, 2. FLAG, 3. STRIPES, 4. STARS, 5. RED, 6. WHITE, 7. BLUE