What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
Although the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are related and sometimes used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms that negatively affect cognitive functioning and interfere with daily living. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific, progressive disease that is the most common form of dementia.
Understanding the difference between the two can be helpful as you consider long-term care options for yourself or a loved one. Alzheimer’s care communities in Phoenix can provide many resources and options for families. The following article discusses dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, outlining the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for both conditions.
What is Dementia?
As mentioned above, dementia is an overarching term for a group of symptoms related to memory loss, impaired judgment, problem-solving, difficulties with communication, and other behavioral and cognitive changes that interfere with daily life.
It’s important to note that some memory loss and cognitive issues are a normal part of aging. The symptoms of dementia are more pronounced, however, to the point of significantly affecting everyday functioning.
Causes and Types of Dementia
A variety of diseases and conditions can cause dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, accounting for 60-80 percent of dementia cases. Vascular dementia is a distant second, with 15-20 percent of older adult cases. Vascular dementia occurs when blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain are narrowed or blocked, like during a stroke.
Brain changes caused by diseases, injuries, and health conditions can result in other types of dementia like Lewy body, frontotemporal, Huntington’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and mixed dementia.
Symptoms of Dementia
Since there are many different forms of dementia that each have their underlying causes, the range of symptoms of dementia is wide. However, some of the most common symptoms to watch for include short-term memory loss, routinely forgetting appointments, difficulty performing daily tasks, and getting lost in familiar places.
How is Dementia Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for dementia. Instead, doctors compile information by reviewing a complete medical history, conducting thorough physical examinations and cognitive tests, assessing neurological health, and incorporating imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to diagnose it. To determine a specific cause or type of dementia, a healthcare professional may rely on additional interviews and testing.
What are Treatment Options for Dementia?
While there is currently no cure for dementia, it is often possible to manage symptoms and address some of the underlying causes, which can dramatically improve quality of life. Certain medications are designed to boost or regulate chemicals in the brain related to learning, memory, and judgment. Non-medical treatment options can include cognitive therapy like art and music, sensory therapy designed to stimulate cognitive function and memory, and support services to help with activities of daily living, like memory care.
Memory care is focused care specialized to support individuals living with memory loss. Cognitive and physical therapy, social activities, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living are all provided in a caring and secure environment. Families can access memory care services in several ways, including in-home care services, stand-alone adult day care centers, and long-term residential memory care communities. Many individuals thrive under this type of professional care, benefiting greatly from the cognitive stimulation and social opportunities in a supportive environment.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that occurs when abnormal protein deposits known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulate in the brain and damage the cells. Damaged cells cannot communicate properly, which leads to memory loss and other issues.
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
Although scientists aren’t entirely sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease, research suggests that several risk factors play a part. Increasing age is the most significant risk factor, but a family history of the disease also increases your risk. Head injury and heart conditions can also affect your likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The good news is that evidence points to a positive correlation between focusing on holistic, healthy aging and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in moderate exercise, avoiding smoking, and staying connected to others socially are steps to increase your overall health, including your cognitive health.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
The earliest symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is usually difficulty remembering new information, like forgetting a recent conversation. Other symptoms include memory loss, problems communicating or finding the right words, confusion about location, dates, time, and events, and difficulty solving problems or following instructions like a recipe. As with other forms of dementia, these symptoms are not a normal part of aging but are significant enough to interfere with daily tasks.
How is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals use several tools to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. A comprehensive physical and mental evaluation is the first step. A neurologist or geriatrician is usually the one who will complete a physical exam and then go over medical history, cognitive tests, interviews with family members, and neurological assessments. Imaging tests like an MRI or a CT scan can also provide helpful information and help rule out other diseases or conditions.
Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s Disease
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Still, certain medications, like cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators, have been found to help manage symptoms or, in some cases, slow the progression of the disease.
Non-drug treatment options generally focus on managing symptoms, stimulating cognitive skills, and improving quality of life. Cognitive therapy using art and music, cognitive stimulation using word games and puzzles, exercise, healthy eating, and participating in a social community are some of the best ways to maintain cognitive health. Memory care offers all these and more, helping individuals living with memory loss live well and have access to all the assistance they might need.
If you are searching for Alzheimer’s care in Phoenix, BridgeWater Assisted Living’s memory care community has a professional and compassionate staff, trained and ready to help with housekeeping, transportation, activities of daily living, cognitive therapy, exercise, physical therapy, nutritious dining options, and more. Contact us today to schedule a tour or ask questions about what we have to offer. We look forward to speaking with you!