The Difference Between Dementia & Alzheimer's

September marks World Alzheimer’s Month, a great opportunity to learn more about dementia and the terminology we use to define it.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different conditions. Knowing the distinction can help improve care, support, and awareness.

Read on to find out the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, their symptoms, and how they impact individuals and families.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term rather than a specific disease. We use it to describe a decreased ability to think, remember, or make decisions. All this can interfere with doing all sorts of everyday activities. Some types of dementia include:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Vascular Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia
Mixed Dementia

Even though older people are more prone to dementia, it is not part of normal aging. At least one report suggests that the number of people living with dementia in Ireland will more than double by 2050.

That’s in line with the country’s growing aged population. The estimate suggests cases will increase from an estimated 55,000 to more than 140,000 people over the next 30 years.

What are the Warning Signs of Old Age?

Many older adults never develop dementia. Normal aging often involves weaker muscles, fragile bones, and stiffening arteries. Despite these changes, experiences, and knowledge built up over a lifetime typically remain intact. But, it’s not uncommon for older people to:

Lose car keys occasionally
Struggle to think of a word but remember it later
Forget the name of someone they’ve met before

Early Indicators of Dementia

Dementia refers to a range of conditions, and its symptoms can vary greatly in different people. Here are common symptoms of dementia:

Memory Loss
- Being unable to remember the name of a close friend or relative
- Forgetting memories from earlier in life
Communication Challenges
- Using odd words when referring to familiar objects
- Struggling to express thoughts or understand others.
Cognitive and Problem-Solving Issues
- Reasoning, solving problems, and exercising judgement
- Being unable to finish tasks independently
Visual Perception Changes
- Their eyesight beyond normal age-related changes in vision
Disorientation and Confusion
- Getting lost in places they’re familiar with
Risk Factors for Dementia
- Age is the most significant risk factor, with most cases affecting those aged 65 or older.
- Family history is also relevant. That’s because people who have parents with dementia are more likely to develop dementia themselves.

Additional factors that increase the likelihood of developing dementia include:

High levels of cholesterol
High blood pressure
Head injuries
Smoking

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for over half of all cases of dementia. It is characterised by a build-up of protein in the brain cells.

This creates plaques and tangles that prevent the brain from working as it should. Symptoms develop gradually over the years and worsen over time.

Typical Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

The first signs of Alzheimer’s can be very similar to those of normal aging. But they become more severe over time. Other symptoms that can develop include:

Memory and Cognitive Challenges
- General confusion.
- Difficulty remembering conversations, names, or places
- Difficulty planning or making decisions.
Physical and Functional Decline
- Difficulties moving around and performing self-care tasks
Personality and Behavioral Changes
- Changes in personality, such as being aggressive, demanding, or suspicious.
- Experiencing hallucinations or believing untruths.
Emotional Impact
- Feelings of depression and anxiety.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

As with the different types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is most prevalent in those over 65, and the risk increases greatly in those over 80. A considerable number of cases occur in individuals under 65, known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Because Alzheimer’s develops slowly, it can be hard to diagnose. The disease can sometimes also stop people from recognising changes in their ability to remember. That said, getting a diagnosis as early as possible is helpful.

That’s because it allows time to prepare for the future and to receive any available treatment and support. There is no single test for Alzheimer’s, but a referral to a specialist may mean:

A more detailed assessment of a person’s symptoms
Brain scans
The creation of a care and treatment plan

Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s Disease

Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease at the moment, there is medication available that can help relieve some of its symptoms.

Psychological treatments, including cognitive stimulation therapy, may also be available. These can help to support memory, problem-solving skills, and language abilities.

Creating a daily routine can also be beneficial. The benefits of routine help provide structure and reduce confusion.

Homecare Support

Homecare can be essential to help those with Alzheimer’s live independently. It can involve making changes to the home environment, such as improving accessibility and creating memory aids for daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s is a life-limiting disease and progressive neurological condition that can lead to complications, including difficulty swallowing. This can cause the inhalation of food into the lungs and then chest infections.

There’s a growing awareness that those with Alzheimer’s disease are in need of palliative care. This includes support for families and people with Alzheimer’s.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

Caring for someone with any kind of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, can be emotionally and financially challenging. Support is available through:

Charities such as the Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Online groups and daycare centres
Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit

If you are caring for someone with dementia, you are not alone. It can help you connect with others who may be experiencing issues similar to yours.

The highly skilled team of carers at Comfort Keepers offers extra homecare support. This could even be to allow you to enjoy a coffee or catch up with a friend.

Staying Fit and Healthy

We still don’t know the precise cause of Alzheimer’s disease, which means there’s no certain way to prevent it. When dealing with Alzheimer’s, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk and help carers stay strong.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a dementia diagnosis or need homecare, get in touch with us now. Organise a free consultation by calling us on 01 892 1302 or email us using this link.