Alzheimer or Dementia – How do you know?

November shines a light on two crucial causes—Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. Alzheimer’s awareness focuses on educating people about this devastating disease, advocating for research, and supporting those affected. Concurrently, we honor family caregivers who selflessly care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other conditions. These unsung heroes face emotional and physical challenges daily, providing unwavering support and compassion. November reminds us to appreciate their dedication and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, fostering a community of understanding and hope.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Overview

In the realm of cognitive disorders, it’s vital to understand the nuances that set Alzheimer’s disease and dementia apart. While Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia, the distinction lies in the scope and underlying causes of these conditions. Dementia is a broader term encompassing various cognitive impairments. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can exhibit similar cognitive and behavioral symptoms, making distinguishing between the two challenging. The two may appear identical in memory loss, disorientation, difficulty in communication, and impaired judgment. Now, let’s compare the differences between the two.

Definition:

Alzheimer’s: is a specific and progressive brain disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Dementia: is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, but there are other types, such as vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

Cause:

Alzheimer’s: The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

Dementia: It is a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions, not limited to Alzheimer’s. It can result from vascular issues, Lewy body disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others.

Progression:

Alzheimer’s: The disease tends to progress gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. It typically follows a predictable pattern of decline.

Dementia: The progression can vary depending on its underlying cause. Some types of dementia may progress more rapidly than Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms:

Alzheimer’s: Common early symptoms include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and changes in mood and behavior. As it progresses, individuals may have trouble with language and motor skills.

Dementia: Symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty with communication, disorientation, impaired reasoning, and changes in behavior and personality. The specific symptoms can vary based on the underlying cause.

Diagnosis:

Alzheimer’s: Diagnosis is often made through a comprehensive assessment that includes medical history, cognitive tests, and brain imaging. A definitive diagnosis in the past was only made by examining brain tissue after death but improvements have been made so that it can now be diagnosed through PET scan imaging and examining cerebrospinal fluid through lumbar puncture.

Dementia: Diagnosis is made by evaluating a person’s cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause may require additional tests and investigations.

Treatment:

Alzheimer’s: There are medications available to help manage symptoms and slow its progression, but there is no cure.

Dementia: Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and manage symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may be reversible if the underlying cause is treatable.

Prevention:

Alzheimer’s: While there is no surefire way to prevent Alzheimer’s, some lifestyle factors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and cognitive stimulation may help reduce the risk.

Dementia: Prevention strategies often focus on addressing the risk factors associated with the specific type of dementia, such as managing cardiovascular health to reduce the risk of vascular dementia.

It’s essential to remember that both Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia require a medical diagnosis and professional management. If you or someone you know is experiencing cognitive changes, seeking medical advice from a healthcare provider is crucial for proper evaluation and care and to know what stage you or your loved one are in to ensure timely and appropriate care.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease*

Some treatment options include infusion therapy. Sage Infusion started treating patients with Leqembi shortly after it was FDA approved in July 2023. Leqembi, from the Japanese drug-maker Eisai and U.S.-based drugmaker Biogen, targets a type of protein in the brain called beta-amyloid, thought by scientists to be one of the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi treatment is recommended for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease as diagnosed and referred by their physician.

Another popular Alzheimer’s drug, Donanemab, marketed under the brand name Kisunla, is a monoclonal antibody developed by Eli Lilly and Company. It also targets amyloid beta, a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Kisunla was approved by the U.S. FDA in July 2024 and is designed for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.

The major ways these 2 drugs differ lies in their mechanisms and administration. Leqembi targets amyloid-beta plaques as they form fibers, while Kisunla binds to larger, more established plaques. Additionally, Leqembi is typically administered once every two weeks, whereas Kisunla is given once every four weeks. Both have shown promise in slowing cognitive decline, but their different approaches and dosing schedules may make one more suitable than the other for certain patients.

Sage Infusion continues to expand options for our patients by adding the ability to service newly approved medications including Leqembi and Kisunla. We administer several medications across specialties and diagnoses to help close to 2,000 patients per month. Our team keeps a pulse on new to market drugs as well as drugs needed to service our patients to give them and their loved ones more good days together.

Sage Infusion offers patient-centered infusion care in a con-temporary boutique environment by nurse practitioners who follow the National Infusion Center Association guidelines and our proprietary clinical protocols. We ease patient’s medical burdens by handling the care coordination process, including insurance authorization and patient progress updates and our flexible scheduling meets patient’s needs with extended hours and weekend appointments. Sage Infusion offers a variety of comforting amenities, and patients can choose to receive treatment in the open lounge or private room.

*Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s Association Report: 2020 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2020;16(3):391-460.