Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
Learn the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with Corewood Care.
Symptoms of Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe problems with memory or thinking. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. The symptoms are similar, but the progression of Alzheimer’s can include other symptoms.
Dementia is not the same as Alzheimer’s — all Alzheimer’s is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s.
With dementia, a decline in mental ability, known as cognitive decline, causes symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and problems with language and understanding.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, with 60% to 80% of dementia cases identified as Alzheimer’s. It is a physical illness that damages a person’s brain, and symptoms typically only show as it progresses into later stages. The early symptoms often do not hinder everyday activities. Eventually, the disease causes more damage to the brain, resulting in dementia.
The main way that dementia is different from Alzheimer’s is that dementia can be caused by many diseases, while Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that often causes dementia.
Progression and Treatment of Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia vs. Alzheimer’s can be confusing. Here’s how they differ:
| Dementia | Alzhiemer’s | |
| Progression | Some types of dementia are progressive, some are stable, and others are potentially reversible. | There are typically three stages: Early (mild), Middle (moderate), Late (severe). |
| Treatment | Some forms of dementia may be treatable or reversible if the underlying cause can be addressed. For example, dementia can be treatable if the cause is a vitamin deficiency or medication side effect. | There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Medications and supportive treatments can help slow the progression and manage symptoms. It is not reversible. |
Understanding the stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can help the person living with it receive the right treatment and support. In many cases, Alzheimer’s is present for some time before symptoms begin to show. Early detection can help people better prepare for their care as the disease progresses.
Get Support Services for Dementia and Alzheimer’s With Corewood Care
While there are medications for the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s, during the middle and late stages, the symptoms can become more pronounced, causing individuals to act in unexpected ways that could be detrimental to their health. As cognitive skills decline, they may need extensive care.
That’s where in-home care makes all the difference. Corewood Care’s in-home care services enable individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to live with dignity. Our caregivers provide round-the-clock support, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) and offering gentle guidance as the disease progresses. With our care services, individuals living with dementia can receive care and support in a comfortable and familiar setting — their own home.
Contact our team today, and let us help you navigate the available care options for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
