Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease; are you curious about what makes these conditions different?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction between the two conditions. Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. While all kinds of dementia share certain symptoms, each has its own set of causes and treatments. Knowing the differences between these two terms can help you better understand your or your loved one’s condition.
Keep reading to learn more about the differences between dementia vs. Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term encompassing any neurological disorder that causes a decline in mental ability. This could include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty problem-solving.
Dementia can also involve language impairment and behavioral changes. Symptoms may begin slowly and worsen over time, eventually making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
Dementia symptoms
Dementia is a debilitating neurological disorder that impacts memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior. The symptoms of dementia vary from person to person, but a few common symptoms can help in early detection.
Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of dementia. In the early stages, people with dementia may forget things they have done recently, such as misplacing items or forgetting appointments. As the condition progresses, they may forget important events and details from their past, have difficulty recognizing loved ones, and repeat the same questions multiple times.
Another common symptom of dementia is difficulty with communication. People with dementia may struggle to find the right words to express themselves or hold a conversation. They may also have difficulty understanding complex sentences or following conversations, leading to frustration and social isolation.
Dementia also affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities. They may have trouble performing familiar tasks, such as preparing meals or getting dressed, and may need assistance with these activities. In the later stages of the condition, they may lose the ability to do these tasks altogether and may require round-the-clock assistance.
Personality changes are another common symptom of dementia. People with dementia may become more irritable, suspicious, or anxious and exhibit mood changes. They may also behave impulsively or inappropriately in social situations.
What are the different types of dementia?
Dementia occurs when neurons and brain functions are permanently lost due to neurological disorders and factors. No cure exists for dementia at the moment.
Types of dementia include:
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia among older adults. The disease is caused by abnormal protein accumulations, such as tau tangles and amyloid plaques, in the brain.
- Frontotemporal dementia is a rare form of dementia that is typically diagnosed in younger people under 60 years old. TDP-43 and tau proteins are abnormally abundant in this disease.
- Lewy body dementia, also known as Lewy bodies, occurs when abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein accumulate in the brain.
- Vascular dementia occurs when blood vessels in the brain are damaged or blood and oxygen flow to the brain is interrupted.
- Mixed dementia is a condition in which two or more types of dementia coexist. The results of autopsy studies on older adults with dementia have revealed that many individuals suffer from a combination of brain changes associated with different types of dementia.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for around 60 to 80 percent of cases. It’s a progressive degenerative brain disorder that causes memory loss and difficulty with thinking, problem-solving, and language.
Symptoms of Alzheimer Disease may include changes in mood or behavior, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks.
The Main Difference Between Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
While dementia is a general term that describes any neurological disorder, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The main difference between these two terms is knowing what kind of dementia you or your loved one is dealing with.
Knowing the type of dementia can help you better understand the cause and potential treatment options.
How is dementia diagnosed?
It is often a good idea to visit a primary care physician if you are experiencing changes in your thinking, movement, or behavior. Neurologists, who specialize in disorders of the nervous system and brain, are often consulted for the diagnosis of dementia. Dementia may also be diagnosed by geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians. You can seek the assistance of your primary care physician in finding a specialist.
You may seek a referral from the neurology department of the nearest medical school if you cannot find a specialist in your area. Also, some medical schools have dementia clinics that provide expert evaluations. To find out if there is an NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center near you, please visit the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers directory. It is possible to obtain a diagnosis and receive medical care at these centers with the assistance of researchers.
Caring For a Loved One With Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Caring for a loved one who has dementia or a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be incredibly difficult and stressful.
You’re not alone. Millions of families are going through the same thing as you are.
Grannie on the Move offers transitional care management services to make life easier for you and your loved one. We provide personalized care plans, support and resources, and regular communication to ensure everyone is on track.
Transitional Care Management can be challenging and overwhelming for patients and their families. However, with the help of Grannie On The Move, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one’s care is in good hands. As a reputable Transitional Care Management services provider, we take pride in coordinating all necessary assistance to ensure that your loved one receives optimal care during this phase of their life.
Our team of compassionate professionals understands that each patient has unique needs, so we take a personalized approach to Transitional Care Management. We work closely with you and your loved one’s healthcare providers to create a customized care plan tailored to their mental abilities, needs, and preferences. Whether your loved one requires medication management, rehabilitation services, or in-home caregiving assistance, we will coordinate their care needs to ensure seamless and effective care.
At Grannie On The Move, we also understand the importance of establishing a long-term care plan for your loved one. We work with you and your family to develop a sustainable plan that takes into account their current health status, as well as their future needs. Our team will also provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the long-term care planning, ensuring that your loved one’s care is continuously optimized for a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, Grannie On The Move is a trusted provider of Transitional Care Management services that can help alleviate the stress and burden of care management during this challenging time. With our comprehensive services and compassionate professionals, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to your loved one while ensuring their long-term health, quality of life, and well-being.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you and your family during this transitional period.
