Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are two medical terms that are used in replacement of each other. However, despite their interchangeable use from time to time, it is important to note that the two conditions are distinctive. Although they share similarities, these disorders are not the same. This article offers an overview of how each diagnosis is different and unique in their own right.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not an exclusive disorder. It is, in fact, a term that is used to describe an array of symptoms. These usually consist of the following:
- Reduced ability to think clearly
- Loss of memory
- Diminished ability to function independently and concentrate
- Lowered communication skills and lack of reason
Such displays of dementia tend to have a significant impact on how the individual performs regular activities as there is a severe decline in their mental abilities. Overall, dementia represents a variety of mental disorders relating to the deterioration of a person’s memory. Stemming from dementia are complications such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other conditions.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness. Over time, dementia symptoms relating to this disease worsen. Typical indications of Alzheimer’s consist of mild memory loss but as this progresses, it develops into a complicated illness that limits the individual’s ability to communicate and interact with persons in their environment.
This deterioration results from the overpopulation of specific proteins inside and outside the brain cells, restricting a cell’s capacity to send and receive signals. Alzheimer’s disease is not a reversible disease. Once present, the severity of the symptoms increases.
The primary section of the brain that is affected is the hippocampus, whose principal functions are memory and learning. After this region of the brain is affected, additional areas soon become disturbed and are severely affected over time.
Why Are Alzheimer’s and Dementia Confused with One Another?
For many individuals, differentiating between the two terms is difficult because they share the same markers. Dementia is merely a broad term describing illnesses involving memory loss and other sophisticated functions of the brain. Alzheimer’s is a disorder that falls under the umbrella of dementia.
Colten Adult Care Provides Appropriate Assisted Living Services
Colten Adult Care, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, provides housing and personal care services to adults that require assistance due to memory loss or other health challenges they face. Our facility is distinguishable from many others as we work attentively to ensure that our residents feel secure and welcome in our care. We also offer 24-hour services to ensure that all patients, especially those who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, receive the dedicated support and care they require.
If you are searching for an Arizona-based assisted living facility, which offers genuine compassion and care to elderly persons, we encourage you to contact us for more information on our services. We look forward to hearing from you.
