The Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

•   Sept. 20, 2021
•  Company news  ViewClix tips 

The terms Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia are commonly interchanged, and this can cause confusion on their meanings. Understanding the difference can allow you to have informed conversations with your senior loved one's doctors.

Dementia Explained:

There are over 100 different types of dementia and Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. 60-80% of dementia diagnoses are Alzheimer's Disease, so this explains why the two terms are interchanged so frequently. The term Dementia, describes the group of symptoms associated with memory, reasoning, and/or other thinking skills. 

Those suffering from dementia may have symptoms such as:

• Reduced cognitive recall (memory loss)
• Altered communication ability and speech
• Impaired judgement
• Hallucinations
• Decline in ability to focus or concentrate on a task

Other types of dementia you may have heard of are Vascular, Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal, or mixed dementia. 

Alzheimer's Disease Explained:

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia and usually affects adults older than 65. Symptoms may begin as mild and then progress over time. Scientist believe one of the causes of Alzheimer's Disease is a build up in plaques in the brain that cause nerve cells to be blocked and die. 

Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease may have symptoms such as:

• Memory Loss and recall. This will begin as short-term memory loss.
• Personality and mood changes are common. Individuals may become easily agitated, uninterested in previous hobbies, or they may say something inappropriate. 
• Individuals may become easily confused and this effects their judgement and decision-making ability. 

What to remember when dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

While a diagnosis can be very scary, it is not a death sentence. Individuals can live many happy years after their diagnosis and symptoms can be managed. There is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer's Disease but there are many treatments available to combat this illness

• The #1 thing anyone can do to help prevent/manage dementia is to exercise and eat healthy. Spend 30 minutes everyday exercising and getting the blood flowing. Eating healthy foods and staying away from processed foods and alcohol are incredibly important. 
• Social interaction. Maintaining a social connection to friends and family is extremely important to fighting dementia. Having in-depth conversations with the people we love can have a profound impact on someone's brain. Loneliness and isolation have been linked to causing dementia and cognitive decline.
• ViewClix frames are designed as the easiest way for families to stay in touch with their senior loved ones. The frames are dementia and Alzheimer's friendly, so families can manage the frame for the senior and the senior is simply able to enjoy the frame. ViewClix frames make video calling your senior simple.
• Brain games. Puzzles, reading books, Sudoku, etc are a all great ways to exersise the brain. However, their importance in fighting dementia has been over estimated. Adding brain games to regular exercise, a healthy diet, and social interaction can help fight dementia but if your senior loved one is not interested, that is OK. 
• Finding a good neurologist is key in the fight against dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. They can provide different medication and treatment options for individuals. Different types of dementia have different treatments and this is why working with a neurologist to get an accurate diagnosis is important. Ask your primary care doctor and others in the dementia community for neurologist recommendations. 

ViewClix has decades of working with individuals and families dealing with a dementia or Alzheimer's Disease diagnoses. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and can provide guidance for families. Do not hesitate to contact us and we can be reached by email here: help@viewclix.com

ViewClix frames are the easiest way to stay in touch with seniors. Order your smart frame today and start building your connection: https://viewclix.com/shop/

Sources:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-and-dementia-whats-the-difference