Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: Understanding their Similarities, Differences and Support Needs
Dementia and Alzheimer's have been used interchangeably for decades or even centuries, implying that people are not fully aware of their similarities and differences. However, it is critical to understand the distinction. To put it simply, one is a broader topic than the other. Alzheimer's disease would fit within dementia, but not the other way around.
To help you become aware of their similarities, differences, and support needs, we've created a brief overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s below:
Dementia Overview
To simply put, dementia is a syndrome rather than a disease. It is described as a group of symptoms linked to a loss of memory, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities. There are many distinct varieties of dementia, and many various illnesses can cause it. Mixed dementia, for example, is a disorder in which many types of dementia manifest themselves in the brain simultaneously.
Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of cases. Dementia is not a natural component of the aging process. Damage to brain cells causes sufferers to lose their capacity to communicate, affecting thought, behaviour, and emotions. Dementia can have a significant effect on one's independence as it advances. It is also one of the leading causes of impairment in older people, and it puts a financial and emotional strain on families and carers.
"Dementia is now the third-leading cause of disease burden in Australia. Up to 472,000 Australians are living with dementia, and more than half of people in residential aged care have dementia. Between 134,900 and 337,200 Australians are providing consistent unpaid care for a person with dementia." (Dementia in Australia 2021 report released)
Dementia Causes and Symptoms
Common symptoms of dementia include:
Memory deterioration
Changes in cognitive abilities
Poor decision-making and reasoning abilities
Reduced concentration and attention
Language and communication abilities have changed
As mentioned earlier, there are many different types and causes of dementia, including:
Mixed dementia
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Parkinson's disease dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Huntington's disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
RELATED: Early Signs of Dementia: 10 Signs to Watch Out For
Due to the mild symptoms, the early stage of dementia is often missed. It usually starts with minor memory lapses. For instance, dementia may have difficulty keeping track of time and are prone to getting lost in familiar surroundings. As dementia advances, forgetfulness and perplexity become more common. It gets more challenging to remember faces and names.
Dementia progresses to the point when people become incapable of caring for themselves. This is when repetitive questioning, bad hygiene, and poor decision-making become apparent. They will also have an even harder problem keeping track of time and recognising familiar individuals and settings. The behaviour changes with time and might lead to depression and aggressiveness.
Alzheimer's Overview
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, degenerative brain illness that gradually erodes memory and cognitive skills, as well as the ability to do even the most basic activities. In seniors, it is the most prevalent cause of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that affects people of all ages. Aberrant abnormalities are known as 'plaques' and 'tangles' inside the brain. These interfere with nerve cells' ability to function and interact with one another, eventually causing them to eventually die.
Alzheimer's Causes and Symptoms
Alzheimer's disease typically starts with minor memory loss and progresses over time. The person may have a hard time remembering recent events or acquiring new knowledge. Other signs and symptoms include:
Loss of memory
Bad decisions result from poor reasoning
Completing routine everyday chores takes longer
Questioning over and over
Getting lost and wandering
Misplacing or losing items in unusual places
Mood swings and personality alterations
Anxiety and/or aggressiveness have escalated
Alzheimer's disease advancement from the initial stages to the moderate or middle stages can occur fast, within two to four years after diagnosis, while progression from the moderate or middle stage may take up to 10 years.
Dementia and Alzheimer's Support Needs
Dealing with Dementia and Alzheimer's becomes highly challenging when an older loved one starts to develop moderate to severe symptoms. This is why Tunstall Healthcare's Connected Care solutions are constantly evolving to help individuals living with illnesses and conditions live healthy, safe, and independent lives. Our devoted Customer Care Centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you whenever and wherever you need it. We also work closely with our clients, carers, and allied health providers to achieve improved health results for you and your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more about the products we offer.
