Alzheimer's vs Dementia: What's the Difference?
Worldwide, 50 million people have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Is there a difference in Alzheimer's vs Dementia? Yes, they are different.
Alzheimer’s disease involves about 60%-70% of the dementia disease cases described. Experts expect an increase to 14 million persons with Alzheimer’s disease by 2050.
Individuals with any type of dementia will need care at some point. The family usually takes on this task. Many times, they may not be able to provide all the care needed for their loved one.
Then it becomes time to ask for help. Home health care provides the services you need to keep your loved one healthy, safe, and happy.
What is the Difference Between Alzheimer's vs Dementia?
Many people believe dementia and Alzheimer’s are the same. They, in fact, have very different meanings. Dementia is a broad term describing a wide range of symptoms that cause people to have trouble with daily activities. Symptoms include:
Memory loss
A difference in the way they think
Difficulty with judgment and reasoning skills
Trouble maintaining focus and attention
Difficulty understanding spoken communication
Difficulty communicating what they want to say
Alzheimer’s disease is one kind of dementia. There are many types of dementia. There are also different kinds of Alzheimer’s disease.
The name Alzheimer’s disease is well-known and a common form of dementia. However, not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease.
Caring for Your Loved One
The focus of care is to provide comfort, highest quality of life, and safety. One of the first tasks is to increase the safety of the home environment. Here are some suggestions:
Place handrails as needed to prevent falls
Remove loose rugs
Make steps more visible with lighting or colored tape
Motion sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, bedroom, closets
Raised toilet seats with armrests
Make sure your loved one wears slip-proof footwear when up
Siderails on beds to prevent falls and help with getting in and out of bed
Monitors for the caregiver to be able to hear if their loved one is having trouble
Consider turning the hot water heater down to avoid burns
This is only the first part of the care. You still have the day to day issues. This is where home health services can fill in the gaps and increase the quality of life for you and your loved one.
The Power of Music in Dementia Care
When caring for someone with any type of dementia, consider playing slow, uplifting, and happy music. This provides positive emotional responses.
Researchers at Stanford University have shown music to be an effective tool for managing agitation in people with Dementias and Alzheimer’s disease. The protocol is now part of care in 9 countries, including the U.S.
When music is paired with an activity, memory improves related to that activity. Singing engages the whole brain which has positive results. Music can also elevate your mood when it is uplifting and positive.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Groups
Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be heartbreaking. You’re not alone.
Look for support groups in your area. Fellow caregivers and/or professionals who have special training lead these support groups.
This provides a safe place to honestly share your feelings and frustrations. Peers can offer ideas that have worked in their situation that may help you. These groups, most of all, provide comfort to each other to help you continue on.
There are also online communities and message boards. This provides a way to communicate with others. Not everyone is able to leave home and some may feel more comfortable online.
Are You Ready to Have Help Caring for Your Loved One?
We are here for you. Our staff has experience caring for and understanding Alzheimer's vs Dementia.
Our home health care provides a comprehensive range of services to assist you. We offer skilled nursing care, physical therapy, assistance with daily living, and companionship.
If you are ready to feel the personal touch provided by our staff, contact us today.
