Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are two conditions that affect millions of adults all over the world. Keep reading to learn more about what is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. These disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia can occur in people of all ages but is most common in older adults. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of people aged 85 and older have dementia. Early onset dementia, which affects people aged 65 to 74, is also becoming increasingly common.
Dementia symptoms can vary from person to person, and even from day to day. They may include memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, poor judgment, problems with coordination and balance, changes in mood and behavior, and difficulty completing everyday tasks.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing dementia. Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual and may include medications, therapies, lifestyle changes, and support services. Further, there is currently no cure for dementia, but research is ongoing, and there are a number of promising treatments in development. With early diagnosis and proper care, many people with dementia are able to live meaningful, productive lives for years.
Read also: ibommaweb
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills and is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease damages nerve cells in the brain by causing them to shrink and die. This damage obstructs communication between nerve cells, which affects memory, thinking skills, movement, behavior, and emotions.
The early signs of Alzheimer’s include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, forgetting important dates or appointments, losing track of where you are or what you are doing, misplacing things often, feeling confused even about familiar tasks or places, changes in mood or personality (e.g., becoming depressed or anxious), and withdrawing from social activities. As the disease progresses, these symptoms become more severe and can interfere with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking meals, driving a car, and managing finances. In later stages of the disease, individuals may become increasingly reliant on others for assistance with basic activities of daily living. They may also experience hallucinations or delusions, become less responsive or animated, and eventually lose the ability to communicate entirely.
How can you support someone with Alzheimer’s disease?
There are many ways you can support someone with Alzheimer’s disease. First, you should learn as much as you can about the disease. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to help and support your loved one. Then, make sure the person with Alzheimer’s disease has a support system. This includes family, friends, and other caregivers. You should also help the person stay as active and engaged as possible. Help them participate in activities they enjoy or introduce new activities to keep them stimulated.
Additionally, you need to provide a safe and comfortable environment. Remove potential hazards from the home and make sure the person has a comfortable place to sleep and relax. This may include remodeling certain areas of the home, such as the kitchen. When it comes to appliances, countertops, and cabinets, aim to keep things as simple as possible. This will make it easier for the person with Alzheimer’s to use the kitchen without becoming overwhelmed or confused when they try to find a kitchen’s focal point. This is where labels and signage come in handy, as one of the biggest challenges of living with Alzheimer’s is remembering what everything is and where it goes. You can also install grab bars in the kitchen design to prevent falls and keep the person with Alzheimer’s safe while they’re cooking or cleaning.
Finally, be patient and understanding. Alzheimer’s disease can be frustrating and challenging for both the person with the disease and their loved ones. Remember to take care of yourself, too.