Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Explained
Terms like “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are often used interchangeably, but these terms represent distinct concepts: dementia is a broad category of symptoms affecting cognitive function, while Alzheimer’s is a specific, progressive brain disease. Knowing this difference helps you understand the diagnosis, find tailored care, and provide a better quality of life for your loved one.
Dementia:
The term dementia encompasses a wide range of symptoms that affect cognitive function. It’s not a specific disease itself, but rather a general term for a decline in mental ability. These symptoms can include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with communication and language
- Impaired reasoning and judgment
- Changes in personality and behavior
- Problems with focus and attention
To be categorized as dementia, cognitive decline must be caused by an underlying progressive neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s, Frontotemporal degeneration, Lewy Body disease, and Vascular disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease:
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific, progressive brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. It accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
Unlike dementia, which is a set of symptoms, Alzheimer’s is characterized by specific changes in the brain, including:
- The buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which disrupt communication between nerve cells.
- Progressive brain cell damage.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Knowing the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s gives you the knowledge to understand diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective care planning.
At Avalon Memory Care, we specialize in providing personalized care for individuals living with dementia, including dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. Our dedicated team understands the unique challenges associated with these conditions and is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for our residents.
Assess Your Concerns
To assist you in understanding the potential signs of cognitive decline, we encourage you to take our fast scale survey. Take our fast scale survey. If you have any questions, we’re here to help you navigate memory care with compassion and understanding. Give us a call at (972) 556-5100.
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