Aug 29, 2024 | News
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are terms that are often used interchangeably when it comes to describing memory loss and cognitive decline, but they’re not the same thing. A person with Alzheimer’s will have dementia, but not all those with dementia will be affected by Alzheimer’s.
Understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia is important for those affected and their families, so how do they differ?
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific neurodegenerative disease characterised by the progressive destruction of brain cells. This leads to a decline in cognitive function, often starting with memory loss and eventually affecting other areas such as language, reasoning and behaviour. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
What is dementia?
Dementia, on the other hand, is an umbrella term that covers a range of cognitive impairments affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. It’s not a specific disease, but describes a set of symptoms caused by various underlying conditions. Dementia symptoms often start with a decline in memory, changes in thought process and reasoning skills, and reduced focus and a lower attention span. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
What are the impacts of dementia and Alzheimer’s?
The onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s is life-altering for both the person affected and their families. Early symptoms may be subtle, such as difficulty finding words, forgetting recent events or misplacing items. But as the condition progresses, these symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating. In the later stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, individuals may lose the ability to perform basic tasks, such as dressing, bathing or eating, and require live-in care. This loss of independence can be distressing and lead to frustration, confusion and depression.
Physically, the body may also decline as the brain’s ability to control basic functions deteriorates. This can result in things like difficulty swallowing, loss of bladder and bowel control and increased susceptibility to infections.
The impact of dementia or Alzheimer’s on families is also profound and increasingly challenging. Caring for a family member with dementia is challenging, and both mentally and physically exhausting. It’s why many people turn to professional care as a way to ensure that the person living with dementia has the support they need while protecting the well-being of their family members. Compassionate caregiving plays a crucial role in helping families navigate dementia, and prolong quality of life for those affected.
To discuss live-in care for yourself or a loved one, contact OxleyCare today.
Call 01980 846690