Alzheimer's Disease Vs. Dementia: What's the Difference?

Are you caring for a loved one who exhibits symptoms like wandering, forgetfulness, confusion, and more on a regular basis? If so, you might be wondering if Alzheimer's or dementia is to blame? Though somewhat similar symptoms can be exhibited, the topic of Alzheimer's disease vs. dementia should be explored so you can differentiate between the two.

• A term used to describe general memory impact symptoms is "dementia".
• One of the most common types of dementia is "Alzheimer's disease".

With time, Alzheimer's disease worsens and affects thought, language, and memory. As you age, your risk of Alzheimer's disease or dementia increases, though they can be developed in younger people. Although Alzheimer's disease and dementia are most common in adults over 65 years of age, it isn't necessarily considered a regular aspect of aging.

To manage the specific disease, it's important to be able to distinguish between them.

Dementia

Types of dementia:

• Huntington's disease
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus
• Mixed dementia
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• Posterior cortical atrophy
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Parkinson's disease dementia
• Dementia with Lewy bodies
• Vascular dementia

Early symptoms of dementia:

• In familiar settings, losing your way
• Losing track of time
• Occasional forgetfulness

Advanced symptoms:

• Aggression
• Depression
• Behavioral changes
• Difficulty remembering familiar places and people
• Trouble with time
• Inability to care for one's self (incapable of handling daily living tasks)

Dementia causes:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Chronic drug use
• Depression
• Stroke
• Vascular diseases
• HIV and other infections

Dementia may be somewhat manageable through the use of the right medication.

Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease can both exhibit the following symptoms:

• Communication impairment
• Memory impairment
• A decline in the ability to think

Alzheimer's disease symptoms, however, include the following:

• In advanced stages, difficulty walking, swallowing, or speaking
• Behavioral changes
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Impaired judgment
• Depression
• Apathy
• Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events

Various remedies including medications to treat depression, sleep changes, memory loss, and behavioral changes may be used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Do You Have a Loved One with Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease? Contact TerraBella Little Avenue

Has your aging loved one been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia? If so, you may be feeling confused and have trepidation about the future. Can you care for them? For how long will you be able to do so? Our exclusive memory care program is specially personalized for each and every individual.

At TerraBella Little Avenue, we have worked hand-in-hand with local families since the early 2000s. We consistently see to it that those experiencing memory-related issues receive unprecedented care. We would like to assist you, as well. You must understand the fact that you, alone, do not have to shoulder the care load. We can help.

Please contact us at TerraBella Little Avenue by phoning 704-448-5760 for sales and leasing inquiries. Any other questions can be directed to 704-541-9333. Better yet, schedule a personal tour so that you can see for yourself all we have to offer. You may also choose to get started by using our convenient online form.