What’s the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s? Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes used interchangeably, but these two terms aren’t the same thing. Dementia is a general term for a loss of memory and other cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease, and the most common cause of dementia. Read on to learn more about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and how you can help a loved one who’s living with either.

What is Dementia?

Dementia isn’t a specific disease. It’s a general term used to refer to a group of symptoms. Dementia generally involves symptoms that affect a person’s memory, thinking, and social abilities.

What Are the Different Types of Dementia?

There are many different types of dementias. Some are progressive, which means they get worse over time and can’t be reversed. The most common forms are:

  • Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that causes memory loss.
  • Lewy body dementia, a brain disorder linked to abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies.
  • Vascular dementia, a type of dementia that’s caused by strokes and other conditions that damage the brain’s blood vessels.
  • Frontotemporal dementia, which tends to affect younger adults and occurs when nerve cells in the brain are damaged.
  • Mixed dementia, which occurs when a person has more than one form of dementia.

In addition to these progressive dementias, there are some types of dementias that are caused by treatable medical conditions. When the underlying condition is treated, the dementia symptoms may be reversed.

What Are the Symptoms of Dementia?

Dementia may refer to a wide range of possible symptoms. Depending on the cause of the dementia, common symptoms may include a variety of cognitive and psychological changes, such as:

  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Difficulty with problem solving
  • Impaired coordination
  • Personality changes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations

What Are the Causes of Dementia?

What causes Alzheimer’s and other types of progressive dementias still isn’t well understood. While researchers have identified some of the brain changes linked to these conditions, it’s often not clear what causes these changes.

In some cases, dementia symptoms may be caused by a treatable health condition. These causes may include:

  • Nutritional deficiencies, such as not getting enough thiamin, copper, vitamin B12, or vitamin E. 
  • Metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities, such as thyroid problems or low blood sugar.
  • Immune disorders that may affect the nerve cells, such as multiple sclerosis.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s estimated to affect more than 6 million older adults in the United States, where it’s the sixth-leading cause of death.

Alzheimer’s disease generally develops slowly. In the early stages, people with Alzheimer’s may have mild memory loss, but over time, the disease worsens and affects more of a person’s abilities. This may take place over a period of several years

What Are the Effects of Alzheimer’s on the Brain?

In people with Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal protein deposits clump together in the brain. These deposits block the nerve cells in the brain that send and receive signals. These cells lose connections with each other, stop working properly, and die.

Typically, the nerve cells involved with memory are the first to be affected. As the disease progresses, the damage spreads to other parts of the brain. Over time, as damaged nerve cells die, the brain can shrink significantly

What Are the Risk Factors for Dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Some factors that can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias are within your control, while others can’t be changed. The following factors may increase your risk:

  • Older age
  • Family history of dementia
  • Lack of exercise
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Drinking excess alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Air pollution
  • Traumatic brain injury

What Are Some Treatments for Dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Treatment options may vary depending on the cause of the dementia. In some cases, dementia may be reversible by treating an underlying medical condition, such as a vitamin deficiency.

Alzheimer’s disease and other progressive dementias aren’t curable, but they may be treated with a variety of medications. These medications may help temporarily lessen or manage the symptoms of dementia. People with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may also benefit from memory care. 

How Can Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients Benefit from Memory Care?

Memory care is specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Also called dementia care, it’s offered by nursing homes. It can provide the round-the-clock care your loved one needs as their disease progresses. 

Residents of memory care units are cared for by specially trained staff who understand the unique needs of people with dementia. Your loved one may also benefit from stimulating activities that support their current ability level, all in a comfortable, secure environment that helps protect them from wandering.

ArchCare’s Center for Advanced Memory Care

The Center for Advanced Memory Care is a state-of-the-art facility that’s Gold-Level Credentialed in the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach that provides comprehensive dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Located on the park-like grounds of ArchCare at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York, residents can look forward to:

  • A comfortable, soothing environment
  • Individualized care plans
  • Engaging memory care activities
  • Complete, on-site medical care

To learn more about the Hudson Valley’s premier dementia and Alzheimer’s care center, or to join the waitlist, please call 845-516-1652.

Other Nursing Home Locations

In addition to our nursing home in scenic Rhinebeck, we offer four nursing home options throughout New York City. Your loved one can receive specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care, as well as the complete, on-site medical care they need to stay healthy. For more information about how ArchCare can serve your loved one, please contact your nearest location:

Let’s talk about what you need. And what you want.