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As we age, it’s natural for our memory and cognitive abilities to decline to some extent. However, some seniors may develop conditions that affect their brain function, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These conditions are often used interchangeably, but they are two different things.
Our goal at Angels Instead is to provide the best care for our elderly clients, which means understanding the conditions that may affect their health. For example, to help you better care for your loved ones, we will explain the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia results from a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Dementia can be caused by several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and others. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, and problems with reasoning and judgement.
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of protein plaques and tangles in the brain, which interfere with communication between brain cells. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease typically start with memory loss, followed by problems with language, mood swings, and personality changes.
What's the Difference?
Even though Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia, not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a complex disease with a wide variety of symptoms and causes. Some types of dementia, like vascular dementia, are caused by damage to the blood vessels in the brain. In contrast, others, like frontotemporal dementia, are caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is different from dementia, which can affect the type of care your loved one needs. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or most types of dementia, there are medications and therapies that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Additionally, different types of dementia may require different approaches to care, such as specialized memory care programs or physical therapy to help maintain mobility.
At Angels Instead, we provide personalized care for each client, considering their needs and health conditions. By understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, we can provide better care for our clients and help them maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.
