Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia, a broad spectrum encompassing various types of cognitive decline, affects an estimated 55 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It is important to note that dementia is not a single condition, but rather a term used to describe a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.
Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases, it is not synonymous with dementia itself.
While Alzheimer’s is indeed a type of dementia, distinguishing between the two is crucial for a better understanding of these complex conditions and their specific characteristics. With a reported 1 in 9 seniors across the United States who are impacted by Dementia, or Alzheimer’s dementia, seniors across Fort Worth and in cities like South Lake, and Grapevine, are aware of the prevalence of Dementia.
Dementia Overview
Among the various types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease prevails as the most common form, affecting millions worldwide, as mentioned earlier. Vascular dementia, resulting from reduced blood flow to the brain, ranks second in prevalence, accounting for around 10% of cases.
Lewy body dementia, characterized by abnormal protein deposits, shares symptoms with Parkinson’s disease. Frontotemporal dementia primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes, impacting behavior, language, and personality. Mixed dementia, a combination of different types, is often encountered, with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia being the most common pairing. Parkinson’s disease dementia develops in individuals with Parkinson’s, gradually impairing cognition.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare degenerative brain disorder, leads to rapid cognitive decline and neurological problems. Lastly, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, often resulting from alcohol abuse, causes memory loss and confusion. Each type of dementia presents distinct features and challenges, necessitating tailored approaches to care and treatment.
For a visual representation, click here for a helpful graphic by Daily Caring, a leading and informative resource on caregiving for seniors.
5 Most Prevalent Types of Dementia
The 5 most common types of dementia are – Alzheimer’s dementia, Vascular dementia, Parkinson’s dementia, Mixed dementia, and Lewy Body dementia. An in-depth look at the 5 most common types of dementia, along with their symptoms, condition progression, and the necessary coordinated care plan required for successful condition management, is detailed below to help guide loved ones understand the care journey for patients with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Dementia
First and foremost, it’s essential to note that risk factors for Alzheimer’s dementia include age, genetics, and family history. In terms of symptoms, individuals may experience memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, and changes in behavior.As the condition progresses, communication challenges, disorientation, and a decline in overall cognitive function may occur.
Coordinated care plans, involving a team of skilled healthcare professionals, prove beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Home health aides offer assistance with personal care, medication reminders, and companionship to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Registered nurses play a vital role in medication management, tracking symptoms, and daily monitoring to provide optimal care.
Physical therapists focus on enhancing mobility, balance, and functional abilities specific to Alzheimer’s patients. Occupational therapists provide strategies for memory and cognitive challenges, adaptation of daily routines, and environmental modifications to support independence.
Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, exhibiting symptoms such as difficulties with reasoning, planning, and problem-solving. Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking increase the risk.
When it comes to coordinated care for patients with vascular dementia, the collaboration of home health aides, registered nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists is crucial.
Home health aides assist with personal care, medication management, and ensuring a safe environment to prevent falls. Registered nurses monitor blood pressure, manage medications, and educate patients and families on vascular risk factors.
Physical therapists focus on improving mobility, addressing gait abnormalities, and implementing fall prevention strategies. Occupational therapists help individuals with vascular dementia manage cognitive challenges, adapt daily routines, and provide environmental modifications.
As symptoms progress, caregivers provide increased support, including managing behavioral changes, implementing strategies for memory loss, and addressing communication difficulties.
They also provide emotional support to both patients and family members, offering guidance, education, and resources for coping with the challenges of vascular dementia.
Dementia with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease leading to movement difficulties and cognitive impairment, may progress to Parkinson’s dementia. Tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia are common symptoms. Coordinated care efforts involving a team of healthcare practitioners, including home health aides, registered nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, are imperative for patients with Parkinson’s dementia.
Home health aides provide assistance with daily activities, such as mobility support, dressing, feeding, assistance with bathing, and medication reminders, as motor symptoms progress. Registered nurses monitor medication effectiveness, manage symptoms like tremors and rigidity, and educate patients and families about Parkinson’s management.
Physical therapists focus on addressing mobility challenges, improving balance, and implementing fall prevention strategies, essential for individuals with Parkinson’s motor symptoms. Occupational therapists help patients adapt daily routines, manage cognitive fluctuations, and address fine motor skills challenges, such as difficulties with writing or buttoning clothes.
As Parkinson’s disease is degenerative, caregivers’ expertise becomes crucial in later stages when intensive care is required due to increased physical and cognitive impairments.
These experienced caregivers provide personalized support, ensure safety, and offer emotional assistance to patients and their families navigating the complex and demanding aspects of Parkinson’s dementia.
Mixed Dementia
Mixed dementia refers to a combination of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Symptoms may vary depending on the types involved. A coordinated team of caregivers, including home health aides and registered nurses, provide comprehensive support for daily tasks, medication management, and monitoring of overall health. Occupational therapists focus on strategies to address memory and cognitive challenges, while physical therapists help maintain mobility and prevent physical decline.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Lewy body dementia exhibits symptoms like hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, and motor issues similar to Parkinson’s.
Care plans that incorporate the coordinated, teamwork services of care teams including home health aides, registered nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists bring significant benefits to individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies, given the specific symptoms they face.
Hallucinations, such as seeing people or objects that aren’t present, and fluctuating cognition, experiencing rapid changes in alertness and attention, pose unique challenges. Caregivers skilled in managing dementia with Lewy bodies provide vital support, such as helping individuals cope with hallucinations by providing reassurance, redirecting their attention, and creating a calm environment. Home health aides employ strategies to address cognitive fluctuations, such as maintaining consistent daily routines, minimizing distractions, and engaging in cognitive stimulation activities. Skilled nurses also ensure safety during episodes of decreased alertness by implementing fall prevention measures and closely monitoring individuals for any signs of confusion or disorientation.
Physical therapists focus on specific therapies addressing mobility challenges, balance issues, and fall prevention in individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies.
Occupational therapists help manage cognitive fluctuations, provide strategies for memory challenges, and offer support for adapting daily routines.
By offering specialized care tailored to the symptoms of Lewy body dementia, caregivers contribute significantly to the overall well-being and quality of life of those affected.
Coordinated Care Teams Matter
High-quality and coordinated care efforts by skilled and experienced teams significantly impact all patients with various types of dementia. Dementia is a progressive condition, with symptoms that can progress at different rates. However, with a quality caregiver, symptom management and an extended quality of life are attainable. These caregivers excel in providing personalized care, ensuring comfort and safety in the home-care environment. They assist with daily activities, monitor medication compliance, and implement strategies to enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being. Through their expertise, caregivers help individuals maintain independence and improve overall quality of life throughout the challenging journey of dementia.
To better help understand the roles of coordinate care teams, below is a visual representation of care teams, their support, and frequency of their visits.
| Coordinated Care Teams, Services, and Frequency | ||||||
| Care Providers | Daily Visits | Weekly Visits | Helps with daily tasks | Medication Compliance | PT Skills | OT Skills |
| CNA | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| RN | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| PT | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| OT | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
Contact Us For Your Live-in Care Needs
At Care Mountain, we are experts in home health care for Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s care. With a growing population of seniors and diagnoses of these conditions in the millions, timely intervention and early, coordinated support is essential. Contact us for any needs for you or your loved one.
About Care Mountain Home Health:
- For over 18 years, we have serviced in-home care patients in DFW with a variety of needs including hourly care, 24/7 and live in care.
- We are a full service home healthcare provider that provides services in skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, infusion therapy, and non-medical CNA/HHA caregivers.
- We specialize in serving patients with conditions such as Heart Failure, Diabetes, COPD, Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Oncology patients. We are a preferred provider by many organizations in DFW (for example the Alzheimer’s Association of North Texas where we have won the caregiver of the year annual award six times)
Contact us today to help with your caregiving needs. Help your loved ones enjoy their years together in the comfort of their home, while knowing that they are safe and well cared for.
Questions? We’re here to help. Please contact our care staff anytime at [email protected], or by phone at (972-379-8891).
Gagan Bhalla is the Executive Director of Care Mountain Home Health Care. For over 19 years, Care Mountain has offered dedicated expertise in senior in-home care in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Managing seven locations across Texas, Gagan has committed his life to enhancing the well-being of seniors and their families needing home health care. Through insightful articles and blogs, he shares his wealth of knowledge, empowering families to make informed decisions about home care. Trust Gagan’s experience to guide you on the path to compassionate and professional senior care.