Almost 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. Around the same number have dementia. The terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same.
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia? Knowing the difference can help you or a loved one get the best possible care, targeted to your unique circumstances. Keep reading to learn more about Alzheimer’s symptoms and treatments and how the right memory care community can help.
What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term that describes brain conditions affecting a person’s cognitive abilities, memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. It’s the most common cause of dementia.
In other words, Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. Other types of dementia include:
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
In Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, symptoms get worse over time.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Most symptoms of all types of dementia are similar. Alzheimer’s affects several areas of behavior, including:
- Memory
- Thinking and reasoning
- Making decisions
- Planning and doing familiar tasks
- Personality and mood
The symptoms of dementia are often more obvious to family and friends than to the person affected.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is often the first symptom of Alzheimer’s that people notice. It affects both short- and long-term memory.
Dementia-related memory loss goes beyond occasionally forgetting where you put your glasses. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble remembering faces and names of familiar people.
They repeat statements and questions multiple times. They can get lost in places they used to know well, including at home.
Difficulty Thinking, Reasoning, and Making Decisions
People with Alzheimer’s may take a long time to make a choice. They can struggle with deciding what to do next or making plans.
They have difficulty making sensible choices. For example, people with Alzheimer’s may wear clothes that aren’t appropriate for the weather. They may make awkward decisions in social settings.
The cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s makes managing tasks involving numbers very challenging. People may struggle to do more than one task at a time.
Difficulty Planning and Doing Familiar Tasks
Alzheimer’s makes performing familiar tasks with steps that happen in a certain order more difficult. People may not be able to cook a meal or play a game. As Alzheimer’s becomes more advanced, people may forget how to dress and bathe.
Personality and Mood Changes
Some of the most challenging Alzheimer’s symptoms are changes in personality and mood. People may experience mood swings that include anger, aggression, or depression. They can become agitated or paranoid.
If you think you see any of these symptoms in a loved one or yourself, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s starts when protein plaques and fiber tangles accumulate in the brain. The causes of this buildup aren’t fully understood.
Age is the biggest risk factor, with most people developing the disease when they’re 65 or older. Researchers are studying how age-related changes in the brain may make dementia more likely.
Genetics play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. People whose parent or sibling has the disease have a higher risk of developing it themselves. Scientists have identified several genes associated with Alzheimer’s, which may help in the development of future treatments.
Some medical conditions are linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Depression
- Hearing loss
Stroke, concussion, and other traumatic brain injuries are also associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia
Although most types of dementia don’t have a cure, some treatments are available. Treatment plans focus on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of cognitive decline. Treatment typically combines medication, supporting therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Medication
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications to treat Alzheimer’s. One type of drug regulates chemicals in the brain, helping to reduce symptoms of confusion and memory loss. The other type prevents plaques from forming in the brain.
Medications to address other dementia symptoms include antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs to treat changes in mood and behavior.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Small changes in the environment can support a person with dementia in their sense of well-being and ability to function. For example, keep items like a wallet and mobile phone in the same place all the time. Use a calendar or whiteboard to track daily schedules.
A calm, stable living situation can reduce anxiety. A structured routine reduces the number of memory tasks a person needs to do each day.
Support groups and counseling for people with dementia and their caregivers can be helpful. Quality memory care communities have these features built-in for your peace of mind.
Lifestyle Changes
A healthy lifestyle helps maintain senior brain health. Treatment plans for dementia typically recommend regular exercise. This could be walking, chair exercises, or a movement program for older adults.
People with dementia may forget to eat, so a focus on nutrition is important. Offer them healthy food and beverage choices, and avoid caffeine.
Social engagement and activities support brain health and promote feelings of well-being. Quality dementia care communities offer a range of activities tailored to the needs of their residents.
Preventing Dementia
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing dementia. Regular exercise is important. It stimulates a brain protein that helps new neurons grow.
Nutrition is another key element. Lean protein, healthy fat, fruits, and vegetables give the brain what it needs for optimal function.
Good sleep habits help prevent cognitive decline. Staying mentally and socially active also supports senior brain health.
Find Support for Living with Alzheimer’s
Now you can answer the question, “what’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?” Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, and it shares many symptoms and treatments with other types.
Knowing that you or a loved one has dementia often leads to many more questions. The caring staff at Seaton Hagerstown can help. We’re nationally recognized for our approach to memory care.
Memory care nurses and nursing assistants at Seaton Hagerstown receive specialized training and ongoing education. We’re dedicated to providing the best possible lifestyle for our residents.
Schedule a tour of Seaton Hagerstown today to get more of your questions answered.
