June 1, 2020

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe memory loss. In reality, however, they are different. Dementia is a non-reversible decline in mental function. While it can be common to have memory lapses as we age, dementia is different. Dementia affects our ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is more than forgetting where you may have placed an item or forgetting certain things. Patients with dementia may forget why they went to the store or even how to drive.

Dementia affects three areas of the brain: language, memory and decision making. The part of the brain that is affected is determined by what type of dementia someone has. Dementia is the catchall phrase that groups several disorders that cause chronic memory loss. The most common forms of dementia are: Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, mixed dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60-80% of dementia cases.

As a pharmacist, a common theme I have encountered with patients who have dementia is that it not only affects them, but also their loved ones. Patients with dementia need more care and are not as independent as they once were. This places increased responsibility on family members. Family members may have a hard time reasoning with the individual, which can cause conflict. This can be a lot for everyone to deal with, but keep in mind that the patient with dementia is unable to change their situation and will need help and support from other sources.