4 Things You May Not Know About Alzheimer’s and Dementia
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It’s our annual opportunity to learn more about this mysterious illness and to incorporate some healthy practices into our routines.
First off, it’s important to know some differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as they are often confused. The Alzheimer’s Association points out that dementia is not a specific disease; instead, it’s a categorical term describing medical conditions caused by abnormalities in brain functioning. The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “These changes trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function. They also affect behavior, feelings and relationships.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia; 60-80 percent of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes “Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as ‘senility’ or ‘senile dementia,’ which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.”
Consider these other important facts as you increase your Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness this June.
Types of dementia
Many types of dementia progress over time, becoming increasingly debilitating and difficult to manage. The Alzheimer’s Association reports, “Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior and feelings can be affected.”
While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, other forms include Down’s syndrome, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia and Vascular Dementia, among others.
Symptoms to note
So how can you tell the difference between a symptom that may require medical attention and a simple slip of the memory? Associated Press writers Marilynn Marchione and Lindsey Tanner explain that a “senior moment” and a symptom that may indicate some form of dementia is “the difference between occasionally misplacing keys versus putting them in the freezer or being confused about their function.”
It helps to get comfortable talking with your doctor about any memory issues or moments of confusion that you experience or that you notice in your loved one. Early interventions can help. The Alzheimer’s Association assures, “With early detection, you can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer, as well as increase your chances of participating in clinical drug trials that help advance research.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these are some symptoms that your doctors should know about. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, try not to let fear slow down your response. If you’re able, take notes about behaviors you notice, and schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
- Disruptive memory loss that impacts daily life
- Difficulty planning or problem-solving
- Difficulty with regular tasks
- Time and place confusion
- Challenges remembering words
- Poor judgement
- Mood changes
Diagnosing
There is no singular test for Alzheimer’s disease. The Mayo Clinic staff explains, “To diagnose Alzheimer's dementia, doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment.”
Here to help
If you or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, Visiting Angels Caregivers are here to help. Our Caregivers are specially trained to support clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Visiting Angels Caregivers are also trained to observe all Covid-19 protocols allowing clients and their families to feel confident aging, with the right support team, in the comfort of their own home.