Stroke Vs. Dementia

A stroke occurs when there is sudden bleeding into the brain, or when the brain is deprived of its blood circulation. Dementia is a gradual loss of cognitive and physical ability. Dementia is not a single disease, but is a term that covers the type of decline, such as the loss of words or ability to perform daily routines or functions.

Types of Stroke

• A stroke happens when there is bleeding into the brain (hemorrhage) or a blood clot prevents blood from circulating through the brain (ischemia).

Stroke Symptoms

• Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, confusion, inability to speak or slurred speech, and possible loss of vision are some of the symptoms marking a stroke. Symptoms can also include a terrible sudden headache.

Dementia

• Dementia is characterized by memory loss and a gradual decline in function, both cognitive and physical. There may be changes in personality including agitation and arguing. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia.

Memory Loss

• Everyone misplaces their car keys and that is not dementia. Dementia is a serious disease that includes a loss of language and the inability to perform regular tasks, and ADL's (Activities of Daily Living), such as getting dressed and eating.

Warning

• A stroke is a serious emergency. Medical help should be sought immediately. When medical help is sought promptly any potential damage or impairment, including loss of movement or speech can be minimized. Rehabilitation can begin quickly and recovery time can be shortened.

  Dementia is a disease or types of disease processses that are characterized by decline. According to the National Institute on Aging, Namenda and Aricept are two drugs that have been shown to delay the progress of Alzheimer's.