Alzheimer’s and Dementia - do you know how they differ?
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, our annual opportunity to bolster our knowledge about our magnificent and powerful brains. It’s also our chance to learn more about common issues that afflict our brains, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
These two terms are commonly used as synonyms, which is inaccurate. Do you know what’s the same about them and how they differ?
Alzheimer’s and dementia, the basics
The Alzheimer’s Association points out that dementia is not a specific disease; instead, it’s an umbrella term. It describes a category of 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; in fact, 60-80 percent of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease; the association projects that this figure will reach 14 million in the next 30 years. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the US.
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.”
Other types of dementia include Huntington’s Disease, Down’s Syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia and Vascular Dementia, among others.
What to look for
If you or a loved one is encountering issues that interfere with daily life, then it’s a good time to make an appointment and check in with your doctor. This can feel scary. It may seem easier to explain away memory issues that you notice in yourself or your loved one. Try to resist that urge, and address what you observe by alerting your doctor. While early diagnosis can make a big difference in helping those with Alzheimer’s disease, only about 16 percent of seniors report that they get regular cognitive assessments.
“A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is life-changing for both diagnosed individuals and those close to them. While there is currently no cure, treatments are available that may help relieve some symptoms. Research has shown that taking full advantage of available treatment, care and support can improve quality of life” assures the Alzheimer’s Association.
Note behaviors that concern you. Write down dates, time and descriptions of what you observe. Remember: doctors are scientists. The more data we give them, the more we assist them in their diagnostic work.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these are some symptoms and behaviors to note for your doctor:
- 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
Diagnosis
When someone exhibits symptoms of dementia, there’s not a singular test that confirms the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association explains what to expect: “Doctors diagnose Alzheimer's and other types of dementia based on a careful medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function and behavior associated with each type. Doctors can determine that a person has dementia with a high level of certainty.”
Trained to help 24-7
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.
Respite care is also available. This allows family caregivers the chance to take a day, a weekend, or an extended amount of time to refresh, replenish and to get some well-deserved time to themselves, knowing that their loved one is in good hands. Our team is always just a phone call away to support our clients around the clock.
All our Visiting Angels Caregivers have been trained to observe Covid-19 protocols, so clients and their families can feel confident aging, with the right support team, wherever they are most comfortable.