It is essential to differentiate the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s. We are all exposed to the aging process eventually. Understanding the differences lends to understanding what the senior in your life is facing. Education empowers us all, and knowledge is crucial in understanding what to expect if you are a caregiver. Read on to learn the ins and outs of both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and how memory care and companion services by Luxury Home Care in Nashville, TN can help.
In general terms, dementia describes a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. Dementia surrounds symptoms that show decreased memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills. There are different types of dementia, and it is vital to realize that dementia is not a normal part of aging. The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s is dementia is more of a blanket term describing specific symptoms. Alzheimer’s is a disease.
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells that affect specific cognitive abilities. Understanding the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s will broaden your scope of education concerning cognitive difficulties. Many people believe that dementia is a normal part of aging, but that is incorrect. Many diseases carry the symptom of dementia through changes in the brain. The types of dementia include the following:
The close relationship between dementia and Alzheimer’s makes determining what your loved one is facing challenging. Dementia is a noticeable decline in mental functioning. While Alzheimer’s is a disease, dementia is a syndrome. Close monitoring of your loved one can point the following signs and symptoms towards dementia. However, only a doctor can diagnose dementia.
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease and is the most common cause of dementia. As a result, damaged brain cells affect an individual’s ability to communicate, think, and process feelings and behavior. The similarities between dementia and Alzheimer’s are changes in the brain cells that cause difficulties in many aspects of thinking and behaviors. Alzheimer’s is also not considered a normal part of aging.
With age comes changes. When you notice a difference in your loved one, it’s hard to judge if the normal aging process is to blame or if dementia and Alzheimer’s should be considered. Subtle age-related changes will happen. Conversations with your loved one and constant assessments of their behavior are essential. The following behaviors are typical age-related behavior and thought changes. Typical age-related changes can include:
How can you determine when it’s time to diagnose dementia and Alzheimer’s? After making your assessment, including multiple conversations with your loved one. Journaling situations and examples of cognitive and behavioral changes that have caused concern is helpful. Watching for the following behaviors and identifying they exist should result in a visit to the doctor for an evaluation.
The following signs and symptoms should be noted with examples:
The primary care doctor can record your notes and give a physical exam to link any physical problems that may be contributing factors. For example, vascular disease and Parkinson’s disease can be associated with these symptoms, as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s. In addition, various standardized testing can judge memory and cognitive abilities.
If your loved one is experiencing the initial symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s and you are concerned about their care, contact us. Luxury Home Care in Tennessee has many options available for senior care. Memory care is an option for these issues, and we would be glad to alleviate your concerns with a meeting to answer your questions. Contact us so we can move toward the best options for your loved one.
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