Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: Key Differences and Care Approaches

Older adults experience many different changes as they age, whether it be physical, emotional, or mental differences. Many aging adults may notice that their memory isn’t what it once was in their younger years. It’s not uncommon for older adults to experience occasional forgetfulness such as misplacing their keys or sporadically forgetting to go to a doctor’s appointment. These are all common aspects of age-related memory loss. However, many adults experience abnormal memory loss that interferes with daily life. While this is common among the older adult population, it is not a normal part of aging.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, which is a term used to describe a number of diseases that affect a person’s memory. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, makes up for 60-70 percent of all dementia cases. However, it’s important to note that not all cases of dementia are the same as Alzheimer’s disease, and there are key differences between the two.

Differences between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

While they are commonly interchanged, dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same diseases. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which is a specific long-term memory disease, dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. While many people are familiar with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, most are unfamiliar with the other various types. According to the Mayo Clinic, here are the most common forms of dementia:

Vascular dementia

This type of dementia can be caused when the vessels that supply blood to our brains get damaged. While there are far fewer cases of vascular dementia, it is the second most common type. Many diagnosed with this disease often notice challenges with problem-solving, focus and organization.

Lewy body dementia

Abnormal clumps of protein, called Lewy bodies, are found in the brains of people with certain diseases such as Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Those with Lewy body might suffer from visual hallucinations, acting out and have trouble with focusing.

Frontotemporal dementia

The frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are associated with our personality, behavior, and language. When the nerve cells and their connections to the brain begin to degenerate, it’s not uncommon for behavior, personality, thinking, and judgement begin to change. While there are different types of frontotemporal dementia, all of them are associated with nerve breakdown in the brain.

Mixed dementia

It’s possible for adults to have many different types of dementia at one time. Researchers are preforming autopsy studies to learn more about this condition and how it might be properly treated in the future.

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s refers to abnormal protein deposits that form in the brain causing plaques and tangles. These protein fragments and twisted fibers clog and damage the brain’s nerves, altering the chemical makeup of the brain. As the disease worsens, connections between brain cells can be completely lost, in addition to physical brain shrinkage. According to the National Institutes of Health, most adults begin experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in their mid-60s.

Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

While the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s can differ, they also have commonalities. Here are a few of the most common warning signs seen in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients according to the Alzheimer’s Association and Healthline Magazine.

• Changes in memory – Increasing difficulty with memory can be an early symptom of both dementia and Alzheimer’s. Most changes will involve short-term memory, such as forgetting where they placed an item, what they were going to do, or asking the same questions over and over again. 
• Difficulty with word recall – Those with early symptoms might notice an increased difficulty in communicating their thoughts or needs. For most people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, vocabulary recall and organizing thoughts can get increasingly difficult as the disease progresses.
• Challenges in problem solving – Working with numbers or developing a plan can also pose quite a challenge. Some people living with dementia have trouble following a recipe and keeping track of monthly bills.
• Changes in mood and behavior – While this symptom is certainly hard to recognize in yourself, it can be one of the first warning signs you notice in others. Depression and changes in personality, such as shifting from shy to outgoing, can also be related to dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Confusion – In general, dementia and Alzheimer’s can be confusing experiences for those who have been diagnosed. Someone in the early stages of these diseases might become confused when they realize their memory has changed, making it difficult to interact and communicate with others.
• Repetition – Because Alzheimer’s and dementia affect memory, those who are living with it might find themselves repeating tasks and asking the same questions or telling the same stories.
• Struggle with change – For those in the early stages, accepting the illness can be extremely difficult. It’s normal for those who have been diagnosed to experience periods of denial, making it difficult to adapt to change.

Treatment Options for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. However, there are treatments that may change disease progressions and help manage the symptoms of dementia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved medications for dementia that fall under two main categories: drugs that temporarily ease symptoms of the disease and drugs that change disease progression. While medications cannot stop abnormal changes in the brain, they may help to lessen or prevent symptoms from getting worse temporarily. Some symptoms of dementia can be managed through non-pharmacological treatments alone or in tandem with pharmacological medications. Healthcare providers may suggest the following treatment options to help improve a person with dementia’s quality of life:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a common type of talk therapy in which a person works with a therapist or psychotherapist in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. This is useful for individuals who have just received a diagnosis as it can be helpful in forward planning and treating depression in early-stage dementia. 
  • Psychotherapy interventions. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is used to treat mental health issues that are common in individuals with dementia. These can include anxiety, depression, and other behavioral challenges. In psychotherapy, a therapist can prescribe medication, such as antidepressants.
  • Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can show those with dementia how to make their homes safer and teach coping mechanisms for behaviors. This work can help prevent accidents, falls, and manage behavior when the symptoms of dementia progress.
  • Environmental modifications. Reducing clutter and noise can help those with dementia focus and improve function. As dementia progresses, caregivers are encouraged to hide or eliminate objects that can threaten a person’s safety including knives and car keys.
  • Dementia support groups.  Support groups can help people to develop useful and supportive networks for those with dementia and their family members.
  • Memory training. Using memory aids can help a person maximize their cognitive functioning and promote feelings of independence, especially in the early stage of dementia.
  • Alternative therapies. There are some therapies that can help manage unwanted behaviors and reduce feelings of anxiety such as light massage, aromatherapy, music and dance.

Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia at Maplewood Senior Living

Our communities at Maplewood Senior Living are committed to providing a comfortable environment for individuals living through each stage of their dementia. To learn more about our offerings or to schedule a tour, please contact us.