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Difference Between Alzheimer's & Amnesia

Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain, caused by a slow degeneration of your brain tissue. As a result, you will begin to have memory loss and a decline in your mental capabilities. Amnesia is the result of damage to your brain structure, whether through injury or underlying medical conditions, such as a tumor. Alzheimer's is a very common disease, and according to the Alzheimer's Association, is the "seventh leading cause of death" in the U.S. Amnesia on the other hand, is a condition that occurs rarely.

  1. Alzheimer's Definition

    • Alzheimer's is a disease that destroys cells in your brain. The disease interferes with your daily activities, makes you suffer from severe memory loss, and causes the loss of how you are able to think and process information. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more debilitating. The disease is not curable, and Alzheimer's always leads to death.

    Alzheimer's Causes

    • Alzheimer's has many causes. Hereditary is one key factor in the disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, if you have a family member who suffered from the disease, you have a chance of developing the disease as well. The odds continue to increase if you have more than one family member who has Alzheimer's. Age can also be a factor. As you age, the likelihood of developing the disease increases.

    Alzheimer's Risk Factors

    • There are certain factors that can increase your odds for developing Alzheimer's. According to the Mayo Clinic, women develop the disease more than men because women live longer. Factors related to heart disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, can also increase the odds of developing Alzheimer's.

    Amnesia Definition

    • Amnesia is a condition whereby you can't remember facts, events or experiences that you've had in the past. It's also difficult for you to make new memories or retain information you've just learned. Amnesia is due to the damage of parts of your brain that are important in the retention of memory and learning. Amnesia can be permanent and you may never be able to regain information or memories lost to you.

    Causes

    • There are many aspects of your brain that are responsible for how you remember things. The limbic system is mostly responsible for the control of emotions and memories. If you develop an injury or disease within the limbic system, the aspect of how you retain information can become lost. Amnesia can be caused by stroke, brain inflammation, oxygen deprivation in your brain, bleeding in your brain, extreme alcohol intoxication, seizures or tumors. According to the Mayo Clinic, head trauma caused by a car accident may cause confusion or impair your ability to remember new things, but very rarely does a head trauma cause severe amnesia.

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