Understanding the Difference: Dementia vs. Mental Illness in Aging Loved Ones

As our loved ones age, it can be challenging to determine what is causing different cognitive and emotional changes. Dementia can often present with similar symptoms of mental illness, and vice versa, for example symptoms like erratic behavior and confusion could be indicators of either mental illness and dementia. Misdiagnosis is unfortunately common and easy to make in the elderly since the symptoms can be so similar. In order to provide appropriate care, it is important to know the differences. This article will offer guidance to understand the distinctions and offer guidance on recognizing the signs.

Dementia

Dementia is a broad term that encompasses a variety of symptoms affecting memory, reasoning and communication. These symptoms and cognitive impairment interfere with one’s ability to manage daily life and activities. Individuals living with dementia typically decline over a period of time and although dementia affects mental health, it is not a mental illness. Dementia is an irreversible brain disorder that causes the brain cells responsible for controlling memory to die causing trouble communicating along with memory loss.

Dementia occurs in several stages with the most common symptoms of dementia including:

• Confused communication, it may become hard to follow or join a conversation. 
• Increased memory issues, such as forgetting recently presented information or important dates that is noticeable when completing daily tasks
• Poor judgment, causing uncharacteristically poor decision making often with personal grooming or financial matters
• Personality and emotional changes such as social withdrawal, increased agitation, paranoia or lack of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed

Mental Illness

Mental illness includes a large range of disorders that affect a person’s mood and behavior, as well as the way they think and feel. Similarly to dementia, these illnesses can disrupt someone’s daily functioning but they don’t necessarily involve cognitive decline. The most common mental illnesses in the elderly include depression, anxiety, late-onset bipolar disorder as well as late-onset schizophrenia.

Common symptoms of mental illness:

• Prolonged sadness or withdrawal, including constant state of unhappiness or lack of interest in hobbies or activities that lasts more than 2 weeks
• Extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows
• Changes in personal care like not having the energy to bathe, change their clothes, etc. It can also manifest as the opposite where they become suddenly obsessive about being clean and tending to those tasks excessively
• Unexplained physical symptoms like digestive issues, muscle pain, shaking or sweating, and changes in bowel habits

Home Care as Respite for Family Caregivers

As a caregiver or family member it can be difficult to care of an elderly loved one and even more so when they are struggling with dementia or mental illness. Oftentimes adult children or other family members feel it is their responsibility to provide care for their aging loved ones, but It can be easy to get overburdened by 24/7 care. It is important to remember that seeking outside support should not cause feelings of shame or guilt. Home care services are available to provide you and your family with much needed support and respite. Here are some ways home care services can support you:

• Assistance with household tasks such as laundry, light housekeeping and meal preparation
• Help with ADLs like bathing, dressing, toileting
• Overnight care to prevent wandering and assist with mobility to and from the restroom
• Much needed breaks for family to help reduce stress and provide time to care for themselves
• Other tasks as needed by each individual family

At Visiting Angels West Metro, a dedicated senior care provider, we understand the challenges and significance of addressing dementia and mental health in older adults. We are here to provide professional care and peace of mind to ensure you and your loved one feel safe and supported. Added support allows you to take care of yourself and focus on your role as son or daughter knowing your parent or family member is in good, caring hands.

Visiting Angels’ care is affordable and our level of care is second to none. We are here to assist you in whatever capacity you may need. For specific information on our services or to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at 952-935-0789 or reach out to us online with this form.