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Knowing the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

It is common for people to forget where they placed something or to forget what the next words out of their mouth were going to be said. Being forgetful does not mean that that individual has Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia. These symptoms typically aren’t a problem until they start to interfere with a friend or loved one’s activities or everyday life. The next question that arises is whether it is Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

The terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably or synonymously. This is incorrect. Although they are similar, they are very different.

Dementia is not a disease. Rather, it is a group of symptoms that are related to a change in thinking and behavior of an individual. These changes typically affect a person’s ability to function as they normally would. Activities such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and caring for themselves becomes more difficult for a person with dementia. This is because with dementia, the nerve cells in the brain stop functioning properly and eventually the cells die. The cells die gradually and as the cells die, the person’s behavior and thinking gradually get worse over time. 

Dementia can be caused by a number of different things such as: a loss of blood flow from a stroke, brain injury, or tumor. The most common cause of dementia however, is Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Similarly to dementia, this disease is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. There are certain things to look for that could indicate that a loved one has Alzheimer’s. Everyone forgets things. The memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s affects recently learned information and interferes with their everyday life. Symptoms to look for include problems with:

• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Speaking or using the right words
• Misplacing things. For example, your loved one might put their keys in the refrigerator.
• Thinking
• Wandering and getting lost
• Performing simple day to day tasks

It might be hard to determine if a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. In the early stages, symptoms may be similar to ones that every person has at that age. It isn’t until the symptoms gradually get worse, that the symptoms become more apparent. When this begins to happen, your loved one may need more detailed care and supervision.

Both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have no cure. However, there are some things that you can do with your loved one to encourage their independence for as long as possible. Examples of activities that can help keep the brain cells working for as long as possible include mental exercises, watching their favorite movies, and games.

If you have any questions, or would like to further discuss this, or other Guardianship or Probate Administration matters, please contact Ann Marie Gilden, Esquire of Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at (407) 732-7620 to set up an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at https://www.AnnMarieGildenLaw.com.

This information is provided only as educational materials, and does not constitute the providing of legal advice, and does not create any attorney-client relationship.