This Is What Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Are, and What’s Common For Each

According to Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 6.5 million Americans aged 65+ are living with Alzheimer’s today, while 73% are age 75 or older. And there’s no doubt that the number might go higher (and it definitely will) every day. This is not news, but this is surely something that saddens most of us who care for the people that currently have this disease, and also for the people who are on the brink of getting it.

Now, this is also not news but, there are still some people who instantly say “Might be Alzheimer’s” when they hear something about old people forgetting things, but let’s look at the bigger picture.

So, here’s the thing about Dementia — it is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s Disease, but it’s not always too late for a little education about the distinction between those two diseases.

Dementia is a general word or an umbrella term for a group of issues that involve:

• Memory
• Attention
• Judgment and reasoning
• Changes in vision
• Communication

These are also the early common symptoms of Dementia:

• Problems in concentrating
• Struggling to keep up with a conversation
• Difficulty in finding the right word
• Mood changes
• Confusion in time and place
• Following through simple daily tasks such as putting one thing back where it belongs, or even having a hard time distinguishing the traffic lights when crossing the road.

Does Dementia have something to do with Alzheimer’s Disease? ABSOLUTELY. Since it’s mentioned that Dementia is a general word, did you know that Alzheimer’s Disease falls under Dementia? Yes, you read that right. Let’s jot down what the common signs of Alzheimer’s Disease are.

But what’s the meaning of Alzheimer’s Disease? Isn’t it exactly the same with Dementia? Somehow, yes that’s correct. Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that affects the brain and is a common cause of Dementia. It happens when the brain shrinks, and when the brain cells die. As a result, a person who has Alzheimer’s Disease loses the ability to think, as well as the person’s ability to function independently.

Here are the common signs of Alzheimer’s:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Inability to learn new things
• Problems with reading, writing, and working with numbers
• Difficulty organizing thoughts and thinking logically
• Short attention span
• Problems coping with new situations

And the list goes on. Is it terrifying? Yes, 100%. If you know a loved one or simply someone experiencing these symptoms, you need to consult a professional right away.

Now that you know the difference between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, it is highly recommended nowadays to get a caregiver. Luckily, My Angels Homecare provides private in-home care, and we make sure that we offer the best home care based on your loved ones’ specific needs as we see fit.

We are also looking for experienced CNAs and nurses! You can submit your application by going to this link.