Distinguishing between Alzheimer’s and dementia can be challenging, as the terms are often confused.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder resulting from specific changes in the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, (as well as other medical issues that can also result in similar symptoms).
Alzheimer’s typically starts with recent memory loss and gradually impairs thinking, language, and judgment. The exact cause remains unclear, but it involves abnormal protein buildup that damages nerve cell connections. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of dementia.
Early Alzheimer’s symptoms are mild and don’t prevent independent living, which is known as mild cognitive impairment. Common symptoms include:
- forget about recent conversations or events.
- misplace items.
- forget the names of places and objects.
- have trouble thinking of the right word.
- ask questions repetitively.
- show poor judgement or find it harder to make decisions.
- become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things.
Dementia
Dementia refers to a general decline in cognitive abilities (mental process involved in knowing, learning, and understanding of things), whilst serving as an umbrella term for symptoms caused by various conditions.
Dementia itself is not a distinct disease, but rather a set of symptoms that result from various underlying conditions affecting the brain. In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease is a particular neurological condition (part of the nervous system) that progressively impairs cognitive function and can lead to dementia.
Dementia describes a decline in mental abilities that disrupts daily life, including symptoms such as memory loss, language difficulties, poor judgment, and personality or behaviour changes. It can result from conditions like Alzheimer’s, Vascular disease, Lewy body disease (also known as Lewy Body dementia which is a progressive brain disorder that affects thinking, movement, behaviour and mood), and others.
The most common symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory loss, such as difficulty recalling recent events
- Confusion and the need for assistance with daily activities, which may involve challenges in making decisions, solving problems, or completing tasks like preparing a meal
- Problems with language and understanding, including difficulties following conversations or finding appropriate words
- Changes in behaviour, for instance, increased anxiety, irritability, or sadness
There is presently no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia; however, medication may assist in managing symptoms and slowing progression of Alzheimer’s when initiated early in diagnosis.
However cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation with activities are designed to improve the memory, problem-solving skills and language ability and it suggests it benefits people with mild to moderate dementia. Cognitive therapy works by using parts of the brain that are working to help the parts that are not.
Currently, approximately 1,000,000 individuals are living with dementia in the UK,
and this figure is projected to rise to 1,600,000 by 2050.
If you have concerns regarding your health, memory, or cognitive abilities, it is recommended that you consult your doctor promptly.
For more information about your local services supporting individuals living with dementia, please contact us on 01706 248661 and learn more about our service offerings for comfort days, home care, residential or respite care across Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale at the Willows Dementia Hub: https://www.gpcareservices.co.uk