Although often used interchangeably, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not the same thing. Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability, while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that affects the actual brain cells.
Basically, Alzheimer’s disease is dementia, but dementia is not Alzheimer’s disease.
The symptoms of each can look the same and seem the same, and include:
- Forgetting things like names, places, and basic tasks
- A decline in cognitive function
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Lack of hygiene and forgetting to eat, drink, or use the bathroom
- Agitation and irritability
- Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
The biggest similarity between dementia vs. Alzheimer’s disease is definitely the decline in memory. While they seem very similar in other areas, getting the right diagnosis early can help make a better path for success for anyone dealing with either disease. It’s important to consider these things when deciding on the proper memory care options.
This guide will compare dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as some of the symptoms associated with each condition— so you can notice the signs early and get the proper treatment.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability. It can affect your memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Dementia usually affects people over the age of 60 and often gets worse with age.
While dementia is more common in older adults, it’s not a part of normal aging. Normal aging would be things like drier skin, vision or hearing problems, brittle bones, and your heart working harder. But dementia symptoms, like the following, are not a normal part of aging:
- Memory loss
- Issues speaking or understanding speech
- Wandering
- Poor hygiene
- Repeating questions
These are just a few of the more minor symptoms of dementia, but the list goes on, and we’ll go into detail about what the early to late signs of dementia might be.
What Are the Signs of Dementia?
As dementia is sort of an umbrella term for multiple types of memory loss, the long list of symptoms can be quite daunting. However, it’s important to know every case of dementia may or may not be accompanied by all of these symptoms— but at least a few.
If you notice any of these symptoms as someone ages into their 50s or 60s, it doesn’t always mean dementia is the diagnosis. But it is definitely something to take note of and watch for changes or increases in symptoms.
1) Experiencing Memory Loss
The first and most common symptom of dementia is memory loss. This might look like forgetting where you put your keys or what you had for dinner.
In the early stages, this type of forgetfulness may only happen every once in a while and be chalked up to “senior moments.” But as dementia progresses, these memory lapses get worse and more frequent.
2) Issues Speaking or Understanding Speech
Another common symptom of dementia is language problems. This can manifest in a few different ways, but the most common is trouble finding the right word or saying the wrong word altogether.
You may also notice someone with dementia has issues understanding what others are saying to them. This can be frustrating for both parties and often leads to misunderstandings.
3) Getting Lost in Familiar Places
As dementia progresses, it’s not uncommon for those affected to get lost in familiar places. This is because dementia can make it hard to remember how to get from point A to point B.
If you notice a loved one starting to have trouble getting around or if they’re constantly getting lost, it may be time to have a conversation about getting checked out.
4) Forgetting to Perform Daily Tasks Like Brushing Teeth or Eating
In the early stages of dementia, you may notice your loved one is having trouble with things like hygiene or cooking. They may forget to brush their teeth or take a shower.
You might also notice they’re not eating as much as they used to or that they’re losing weight. This is because dementia can make it hard to remember how to maintain their habits.
5) Repeating Themselves
If you’ve noticed your loved one is starting to repeat themselves or ask the same questions over and over, it may be cause for concern. This is because dementia can make it hard to retain new information.
6) Experiencing Hallucinations or Paranoia
Unfortunately, as dementia progresses, patients may start to experience hallucinations or paranoia. For example, they may see things that aren’t there or think people are out to get them.
7) Losing Balance or Other Motor Issues
Dementia can also cause problems with balance and motor skills. This may make it hard for your loved one to walk or even stand up. They may need to begin to use a walker or wheelchair, which is why getting them the care they need sooner than later is vital to preventing accidents.
8) Having “No Filter” or Acting Inappropriately
One symptom of dementia that is often hard for caregivers and loved ones to deal with is a loss of inhibition. This can manifest in a few different ways but generally means the person affected says or does things without thinking about the consequences first. This can be anything from saying offensive things to physically assaulting a caregiver.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t the person doing these things, but is the progression of a disease against their control. There are care facilities that can approach these types of symptoms with patience and care which can make a night and day difference in how someone lives and copes with dementia.
Types of Dementia
There are different types of dementia, and each has its own set of symptoms. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease dementia, but there are quite a few others that can also begin to show signs as someone reaches 60+ years old.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease dementia, accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It is a degenerative brain disease that slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills. Early symptoms include problems with short-term memory followed by issues with language, disorientation (such as getting lost), mood changes, and withdrawing socially.
Vascular Dementia
The second most common dementia, vascular dementia, occurs when there are issues with the supply of blood to the brain. This can happen after a stroke, or from small strokes that occur without any noticeable symptoms. Vascular dementia symptoms can include problems with executive function (such as planning and problem-solving), dementia that comes on suddenly, and sudden changes in mood or behavior.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia is when the brain gets abnormal protein deposits on it called alpha-synuclein. These proteins are called Lewy bodies and they affect the chemicals in the brain that help control mood, behavior, cognitive function, and physical movement. This is also one the most common causes of dementia and affects over 1 million individuals in the U.S.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is one of the least common, but it’s also the one that starts being diagnosed much earlier. Most cases are diagnosed in people ages 45 to 65, which is nearly 20 years sooner than other types of dementia. The frontotemporal type is also caused by abnormal proteins in the brain that affect language and behavior mostly. Unfortunately, it’s also more common in people who’ve had a relative with the disease.
Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus is caused by an accumulation of spinal fluid in the brain, resulting in such symptoms as sluggish mental function, altered behavior, loss of bladder control, and difficulty walking. A shunt may be surgically inserted into the brain to assist drain extra liquid.
Mixed Dementia
With mixed dementia, a person has symptoms of more than one type of dementia. This is most common in people over age 65. The two most common types are Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, but Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia can also be present.
As you can see, there are many different forms of dementia, but they all show memory, language, mood, and behavior at the top of the list of those negatively impacted by the disease or disorder. Because Alzheimer’s disease is the #1 type of dementia seen in people today, we want to dive deeper into it and go into why it differs from dementia, specifically.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
As we stated before, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a degenerative brain disease that slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills. Early symptoms include problems with short-term memory followed by issues with language, disorientation (such as getting lost), mood changes, and withdrawing socially.
The jury is still out on what exactly causes Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are certain risk factors that make a person more likely to get it. Researchers have narrowed down three main overarching causes of Alzheimer’s— these include:
- Age: The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65+.
- Genetics: If someone in your immediate family has had dementia or Alzheimer’s, you’re more likely to get it. There are also certain genes that put people at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s.
- Environment and Lifestyle: There are certain things you can do to help lower your risk, such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and staying mentally active.
What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
1) Forgetting Details About People or Life Events
One of the first signs is forgetting recent conversations or events, or important details about people in your life.
2) Difficulty Concentrating and Problem Solving
You may also have trouble focusing or solving problems. This could manifest itself in difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or during leisure activities.
3) Confusion With Time and Place
As the disease progresses, you may start to experience disorientation and get confused about time and place. You may forget where you are or what time it is. These changes to your internal clock can cause sundowning, a common trait of people with dementia where they get irritable and can’t get to sleep at night.
4) Personality Changes
Another symptom is mood changes and personality changes. As dementia progresses, people may become more anxious, depressed, or easily agitated. They may also act out in ways that are out of character for them.
5) Loss of Speech or Motor Skills
As the disease gets worse, people with Alzheimer’s may have trouble speaking or writing. This could manifest itself in difficulty finding the right word or repeating yourself. People may also have trouble with coordination and motor skills, which could make it hard to walk or button a shirt.
6) Sudden Mood Changes
One of the most noticeable symptoms is sudden mood changes. The person may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may see or hear things that are not there.
7) Impaired Judgment and Decision-making
Another symptom is impaired judgment and decision-making. This can cause people to make poor decisions or take unnecessary risks. For example, they may give away large amounts of money or wander off and get lost. This is actually a great early sign of Alzheimer’s if an elderly parent falls for online scams or buys strange things at the store— these odd behaviors should not be ignored.
8) Trouble Eating and Swallowing
As dementia progresses, people may have trouble eating and swallowing. This can be due to loss of motor skills or apathy. People may forget how to eat or may not feel hungry anymore. As a result, they could lose a lot of weight and become malnourished.
9) Being Suspicious of Others
One of the hallmark symptoms of dementia is paranoia and suspiciousness. The person may become agitated and aggressive. They may think people are stealing from them or that their family is plotting against them.
10) Agitation and Anger Outbursts
People with dementia may also become easily agitated and have angry outbursts. This could be in response to something that’s not there or because they’re feeling frustrated.
No matter how many, or how few of these symptoms someone is showcasing, it’s vital to get their diagnosis early and start treatment so they can live a happy life free of stress and anxiety. It can also help the caregivers and family members ensure their safety if they can get into a facility that focuses on treating dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory care.
Quality Dementia and Memory Care at Sunflower Communities
If your loved one is showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to get them help as soon as possible. Sunflower Communities specializes in dementia and memory care. We have a team of experts who can help your loved one live a happy, healthy life.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.