It's like they say; all poodles may be dogs, but all dogs are not poodles. Put simply, dementia is a loss of brain function during aging, with many forms and degrees. It is not synonymous with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. It is a slowly developing, progressive disease which attacks the brain, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer's is most commonly associated with people age 65 and older; however, early onset Alzheimer's may begin as early as 40. Awareness about the disease, its symptoms and impacts on patients and families, remains incomplete, as does the research necessary for a cure. That's the best reason to "Walk to End Alzheimer's" on Saturday morning, Sept. 22 at Riverstone.

Ours is just one among 660 Alzheimer's Association Walks to End Alzheimer's - America's largest event to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research. The walks have mushroomed from only $149,000 raised nationally in its first year of 1989, to $47 million in 2011.

The walk unites communities to fight the disease, lend support, and share stories. No registration or participation fee is required; however walkers are asked to raise advance funds or make donations.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the U. S. Once symptoms become noticeable to others, Alzheimer's patients average eight more years of life, although that can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and general health. No cure yet exists, but symptoms can be managed.

The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's are:

1. Memory loss which disrupts daily life, especially information recently learned. This means more than forgetting where the keys are.

2. Changes in ability to plan or problem-solve, e.g., trouble following a recipe or balancing a checkbook

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks, e.g., remember the rules of a game or driving somewhere familiar

4. Confusing time and dates

5. Trouble with visual-spatial relationships, e.g., determining visual distance, color and contrasts, or reading

6. Misplacing things or difficulty retracing steps

7. Changes in judgment, making poor decisions (more than once in a while), or poorer grooming habits

8. Withdrawal from work and social activities

9. Personality changes, e.g., confusion, depression, fear, anxiety

10. Problems with spoken and written language, e.g., struggling to find words or follow a conversation

Some of these may happen occasionally as a normal part of aging; it's often a matter of frequency and degree, as well as notable change from the person's prior normal behavior. Any of these may also be symptoms of other neurological or psychiatric conditions, so it's especially important to consult a qualified physician when Alzheimer's is suspected.

To learn more about the disease or find support see Alz.org. For more information about the two-mile walk on Sept. 22 at Riverstone in Coeur d'Alene call (208) 666-2996.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholehjo@hotmail.com.