When speaking about memory loss and cognitive decline, many people will use the words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” interchangeably. This can lead to confusion, misconceptions and misunderstandings about these two very different terms, says Dawn Maligno, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke, a memory care assisted living community in Pembroke, MA.
“The two terms are actually very different,” she explains. “Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia, but not all dementias are Alzheimer’s disease.”
While many of the same symptoms are found in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, there are slight differences, and knowing what those differences are can help medical professionals better treat an individual, Dawn says. Here are three of the most significant ways that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease differ.
Alzheimer’s is a disease; dementia is a syndrome.
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific disease (it’s right there in the name). By comparison, dementia doesn’t refer to a specific disease – instead, it’s an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that impact memory, daily activities and communication. Five distinct diseases fall under the dementia diagnosis, with Alzheimer’s being but one of them.
It’s possible to have more than one type of dementia.
It’s impossible to have more than one type of Alzheimer’s disease. It is possible, however, to have Alzheimer’s disease plus another form or forms of dementia. This is known as “mixed dementia,” and studies show that this situation occurs more often than not. Mixed dementia often involves Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which is a type of dementia that develops and is related to strokes and other cardiovascular-related issues that disrupt blood flow to the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is not reversible, but some forms of dementia are.
Alzheimer’s disease and the majority of dementia disorders are progressive and not reversible. However, some types of dementia are caused by factors such as drug interaction or nutritional deficiencies that can actually be reversed with the right diagnosis and treatment. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to check out any memory issues as soon as they are noticed – it’s possible that it could be a curable condition.
Common Forms of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting nearly 5.8 million Americans. It’s the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s is a progressive form of dementia that worsens over the journey, eventually leading to all loss of body function. The first sign of Alzheimer’s is usually memory loss, accompanied by forgetting words, difficulty remembering new information and slight confusion. These chances can be so slight that many people will brush them off as “senior moments.” However, while memory issues can be a sign of normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease (and dementia overall) is not a sign of normal aging.
Vascular dementia is the second-most common form of dementia, and it occurs when blood flow to the brain is severely reduced, such as when someone suffers a stroke. This disruption causes nearby brain cells to weaken and die. Memory loss can be a symptom of vascular dementia, but the symptoms can vary depending on where in the brain that cell death occurs. Other symptoms of vascular dementia are changes in perception and thinking abilities, difficulty understanding speech, disorientation and stroke-like symptoms. Unlike Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia may or may not be a progressive disease depending on if the strokes continue.
Lewy body/Parkinson’s dementia have long been thought of as two different forms of dementia, but recent research is suggesting that they are merely two different expressions of the same disease because of the same cause. Lewy body dementia occurs when proteins known as Lewy bodies occur in the brain and cause hallucinations, confusion, disorientation and other disruptions to the nervous system. Parkinson’s dementia also develops due to Lewy bodies but occurs due to (and after a diagnosis of) Parkinson’s disease.
Frontotemporal dementia is caused when the brain’s frontal or temporal lobes experience progressive nerve cell loss. This form of dementia generally manifests in younger individuals in their 40s to 60s. The first sign of frontotemporal dementia is usually behavioral changes (since the areas of the brain being affected are the parts that control language, motor functions and behavior/emotions. Memory loss can occur, but it normally manifests in the late stages of the disease.
Mixed dementia is when an individual develops two or more forms of dementia. Generally, mixed dementia is a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, but there are seemingly countless variations that can lead to this diagnosis. Since not a lot is known about mixed dementia, more research is needed in order to discover the most effective treatments for this mixture of diseases.
Caring for All Types of Dementia
Knowing what type of dementia an individual has is essential for receiving the very best and most effective treatments possible. However, no matter what form of dementia someone is diagnosed with, they and their loved ones want the same thing: a happy, high-quality life for as long as possible.
“Bridges by EPOCH at Pembroke has been designed specifically to help those living with dementias like Alzheimer’s disease live fulfilling, engaged, healthy and happy lifestyles, no matter what stage of their journey they are in,” says Dawn. “We follow the latest trends and research so that we’re aware of the latest treatments for all forms of dementia. This allows us to provide the best and most effective care possible. Until a cure for these types of diseases are found, Bridges by EPOCH at Pembroke will make sure that those living with dementia have an enriching, fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle each and every day.”
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
Purposefully Designed Community
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues and aromatherapy create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.