“What is the difference between Dementia & Alzheimer’s disease? Are they not the same thing?”
I am asked often, what the difference is between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Here is what I say in simple terms in order to help these individuals grasp an understanding of this common question.
Dementia is a syndrome; a set of mainly 3 symptoms.
- There is an impairment of one’s memory;
- A noticeable impairment of one’s judgment;
- Impairment of one’s thinking.
When a doctor determines an individual has these 3 main symptoms, they will diagnose them with “dementia”. You can find dementia in many disorders and diseases.
Therefore, your next question to the doctor should be, “What kind of dementia?” Just as a doctor would diagnose someone with cancer, the patient, their family, friends, and care team all need to know what kind of cancer it is. This will obviously determine the course of action and treatment. The same goes for dementia!
We can enumerate many reversible dementias and non-reversible dementia. Some examples of reversible (treatable) dementia include; depression, vitamin B deficiencies, thyroid, and certain medications. Examples of non-reversible dementia are; Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body disease, Picks disease, and stroke.
The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is definitely there. They are not the same. Obtain a doctor’s diagnosis ASAP when you notice changes in your loved one’s memory, judgment, or thinking abilities. Determine what kind of dementia, as it may be reversible. Once you have determined what it is, you can obtain an understanding of that type of dementia.
On a final note, just as we would assist if we see someone struggling to wear a cast. We should also be supportive to someone with dementia whose impairment is unfortunately impossible to physically see from the outside. Warm regards,
Karen 🙂
Karen Tyrell, CPCA, CDCP
Dementia Solutions
You don’t have to journey alone.
3 Responses
I am dealing with my elderly Italian mother who’s dementia has got worse recently. She has now slipped back and thinks my father is still alive and wants to do things for him. Eg. Preparing a meal or opening a door when he is coming home from work. It gives me goosebumps and i don’t know how i should be handling this. Any info would be appreciated
Hi Sam,
Thanks for sharing your situation. It is never easy seeing a loved one change especially when they have been diagnosed with a Dementia.
When working with someone with dementia they may no longer be able to come to OUR reality. They may have gone back in time to an era in their memory and are stuck there. It may appear the recent memories are faded. If they appear stuck in a past era in their mind, the best way to help them is not always to try to bring them back to our reality but instead go to THEIR reality. I know this may sound odd and it does need some practice. The reason is because it is very hard to reason with someone who is in a different reality. It may cause anger, upset and mistrust. For your mom, you really want to ensure she is happy and at ease. This will help you and other family members in your caregiving role on a daily basis.
If it makes her feel at ease knowing she is still taking care of her husband then maybe she needs to hear comforting comments such as; ”You really have been a wonderful wife! Dad is fortunate to have you worry about him all the time.” “Tell me what makes you happy about helping others.” You may be able to get her to open up and reminisce with comments like this. Reminiscing is a great therapy! It can also take her on to other fun conversation topics away from concerns of her husband.
I have had some families who needed to say to mom during times like this, “I know you worry so much about Dad and he is so lucky to have found you, but tonight, Dad is eating with friends (or anyone who he would have been with in the past) so we don’t need to prepare his meal tonight. Thanks for being such a great person!” (Insert hug)
It is acknowledging her concern for him is much appreciated but he is okay at the moment. Rather than telling her that Dad is gone and you don’t need to help him anymore. Does this make sense? Once again, ideally, we want her to feel at ease and not worried. To do this, we need to say or do whatever will work… even if we are using some creative responses that will match HER reality.
I hope this helps! Please feel free to stay in touch.
Warm regards,
Karen 🙂
Thank you so much Karen for taking more time and effort to discus the Difference between Dementia & Alzheimer’s disease, I truly appreciate it and I learn more from there. I am looking forward for more update soon..