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Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia

A senior adult woman with Alzheimer's is putting a puzzle together.

If a senior loved one begins to show memory loss, it can be extremely disconcerting for them as well as for you. You likely begin to consider things like Alzheimer’s and dementia and likely wonder what the difference between them is. You aren’t alone. When it comes to Alzheimer’s vs. dementia, many people aren’t aware of the differences between the two diagnoses.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s vs. dementia by calling Buckner Retirement Services. Our expert team members can help get you the information you need about senior memory care services. Call 214.227.7182 today and get the high-quality help that your loved one deserves.

Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia

While the signs and symptoms of these two conditions may overlap, some distinct differences exist between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

What Is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that gradually progresses over time. It is one of the most common conditions affecting senior adults, with more than three million cases per year in the United States alone. People with Alzheimer’s exhibit various mental, physical, and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms will usually occur in stages, increasing in severity and frequency as the condition progresses. In its earliest stages, Alzheimer’s can present the following symptoms.

Early Stage Alzheimer’s

  • Memory loss
  • Misplacing or losing items
  • Forgetting the names of people, places, or things
  • Repeating oneself or asking the same questions consistently
  • Getting lost in familiar locations

These early signs may be subtle and easily dismissed as normal age-related changes. However, if they are persistent and increasingly disruptive to daily life, it is essential to seek medical attention.

Mid-Stage Alzheimer’s

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, more severe and ongoing symptoms will start to appear. In the middle to late stages of the disease, behavioral and physical symptoms will become more apparent. Progressing Alzheimer’s symptoms can include the following:

  • Increased confusion and disorientation
  • Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleeping habits
  • Obsessive and repetitive behaviors
  • Compulsive or insistent behaviors
  • Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Inability to judge distance or perform spatial tasks
  • Frequent mood swings or changes in personality

Trying to care for someone with advancing Alzheimer’s can be incredibly challenging, especially without the proper support and resources. That is why seeking professional memory living care may be the best option for seniors living with this disease.

End Stage Alzheimer’s

When Alzheimer’s reaches its end stages, it can present dire symptoms that affect the quality of life and ability to survive. At this stage, senior adults typically require ongoing medical care, such as memory care. Symptoms can include the ones below:

  • Significant weight loss
  • Inability to move without assistance
  • Loss of speech
  • Severely impaired short- and long-term memory
  • Malnutrition and dehydration

Certain things can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, such as recreational activities and mental stimulation. However, there is no cure. Unfortunately, the condition will ultimately progress until an individual’s quality of life cannot be sustained.

What Is Dementia?

There are several differences when comparing dementia vs. Alzheimer’s symptoms. While Alzheimer’s is a specific condition, dementia is classified as a group of symptoms that affect neurological and cognitive abilities.

Alzheimer’s is a specific neurocognitive disease, while dementia is a general term that refers to a range of cognitive issues. In other words, Alzheimer’s is one form of dementia. However, dementia can have many causes; for example, it may be present in adults with brain tumors or those who have suffered a stroke.

  • Dementia can present with the following symptoms:
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty communicating or finding the right words
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Inability to organize or problem-solve
  • Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
  • Reduced visual perception
  • Inability to identify people or objects
  • Decreased sense of smell

Just like caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, looking after a loved one with dementia can be challenging. That is why many families turn to memory care services for support.

Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia Differences

Something that is not unique to Alzheimer’s is the dire effect it has on a senior’s mood and personality. Other types of dementia can have the same impact. These cognitive issues as a whole can eventually lead to the following psychological and behavioral symptoms:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Agitation
  • Mood swings

In addition to Alzheimer’s, other common types of dementia include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Lewy body dementia is a progressive brain disorder characterized by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, known as Lewy bodies, can lead to problems with thinking, moving, and behavior.

Nearly all types of dementia share one significant feature—they inevitably progress over time. Treatments like cognitive exercises may help slow this progression, but dementia symptoms generally increase in frequency and intensity until they severely impact an adult’s quality of life.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care at Buckner

You don’t have to know the specific differences between Alzheimer’s vs. dementia to understand that caring for your loved one might not be something you can do effectively. Don’t worry—help is available at Buckner. Our specialized memory care for senior adults is created with these conditions in mind, and designed to keep your loved one safe.

Call Buckner Today for Senior Memory Care Services

Our continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) are here to help seniors stay in one place as their needs change over time. We understand how important stability and community are to overall comfort. Call 214.227.7182 today or contact us online to get started. Our Texas faith-based communities are ready to offer the support you and your family need.