Dementia vs Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are commonly developed as we get older. And while young people can develop them too, your risk increases as you age. Learning about the difference between both terms is important to empower people living with it. And people around them, including their families and caregivers, help them with the necessary knowledge to provide the right care.

• Alzheimer's 

Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. This means that Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia and is also a cause of it.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative and irreversible brain disease that is caused by cell damage. This leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.

As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get worse.

Alzheimer’s Symptoms: difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, apathy, depression, impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavioral changes, difficulty speaking, swallowing, or walking in advanced stages of the disease.

• Dementia

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, including memory loss, difficulty reasoning, or poor thinking skills. There are different types of dementia, and many conditions cause it.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behavior, and feelings.

• Dementia Symptoms: occasional forgetfulness, confusion, losing track of time, losing your way in familiar settings, repetitive questioning, poor hygiene, poor decision making, change in behavior, depression, and aggression.

Better Days Tip: 
What can you do to support my loved ones with dementia?

• They Must Stay Socially Active: Keeping in touch with people is good for your confidence and mental wellbeing, like meeting up with friends and family.
• Be aware of temperatures: people with dementia may no longer be able to tell when something is too hot to eat. Make sure their food is served at a safe temperature. You can offer them crackers or bread with butter if they need to wait for a short time. 

Do you know? Asking for help is an action of love! We are here to guide and help you with the best care, environment, staff, and peace of mind for you and your loved one.

Contact us:
904-683-1580
904-577-2212
904-515-3129

Email:
info@betterdayssenior.com

Address:
2317 Gilmore St Jacksonville, FL 32204