Christine M. Valentin, LCSW, LLC
  • Home
  • About
  • Specialities, Fees & Hours
  • Video Counseling
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Practices

Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease

2/15/2013

13 Comments

 
Picture
Throughout my work with family caregivers, a common confusion that regularly arises regarding memory loss is the belief that Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are one in the same. While it is true some people, even health care professionals, will use the terms interchangeably it is important to understand the fundamental differences between the terms so that you can truly understand what you may/may not be up against and can properly plan ahead.
 
Dementia is an umbrella term that is used to describe the many symptoms associated with someone who is experiencing symptoms like confusion, disorientation, forgetfulness, language problems and/or visual impairments. It is also important  to know that medical conditions like a urinary tract infection, a stroke, a thyroid condition, etc. can cause dementia-like symptoms; Side effects of medication, or alcohol can also mimic dementia. There are currently at least 50 known causes for dementia. 

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of dementia. It is defined as an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative disease that initially affects a person’s short-term memory and eventually progresses to affect his/her long-term memory and physical capabilities. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific disease and according to one medical model consists of three stages - Early, Middle and Late. Below is a brief summary of some of the signs you may notice in an individual with Alzheimer's disease. 

         Early stage Alzheimer’s disease consists of intermittent memory loss which can make 

identifying a memory problem difficult especially if lack of sleep, exhaustion, depression or stress are "blamed" for the forgetfulness. Changes in personality and/or forgetting to attend a recently scheduled meeting/appointment are generally signs that something is wrong. 
      Middle stage Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by more forgetfulness and drastic changes in 
mood. Behavioral issues like wandering, paranoia, increased agitation and/or hallucinations are also common during this stage. This stage can be confusing because of the ability for an individual to remember specific details of past events while forgetting more recent occurrences. 
     Late stage Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a more progressive decline. The ability to remember past events becomes harder and confusion regarding people and places can become prominent. Incontinence, slurred speech and difficulty walking can also be present during this stage. 

The essential thing to know about Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is they are not the same. Someone who has dementia does not necessarily have Alzheimer’s disease. One of the best questions you can ask your loved one’s medical team should they issue a dementia diagnosis is, “What is causing the dementia?” While it may be hard for the medical team to give you a definitive answer, especially during an initial evaluation, an answer or even a speculation can at the very least help you begin the process of planning ahead.

Do you have any thoughts you would like to share or questions to ask? Please do so my commenting below. 

13 Comments

    Christine M. Valentin 

    As a licensed clinical social worker, I help individuals caring for a loved one reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and stress.  This blog is meant to share with you, many of the suggestions I recommend to many family caregivers. Sign up to receive them directly.

    Sign up to directly receive my latest blog posts!

    * required

    *

    *

    *




    Email & Social Media Marketing by VerticalResponse

    Archives

    July 2020
    January 2020
    September 2018
    February 2018
    October 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    December 2011

    RSS Feed

The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by individuals in search of general information of interest pertaining to caregiving, stress and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.
Photos used under Creative Commons from TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋), Muffet, mayeesherr. (away), saturn ♄, lisabirtch, CalgarySandy, Geoff Penaluna, Réno, Lida Rose, photogirl7.1, Brainedge, leechantmcarthur, A Gude, blumenbiene, NaturEscapes Photography, nicoleacosta, taubuch, photogirl7.1, nicoleacosta, Jocey K, stefanweihs
  • Home
  • About
  • Specialities, Fees & Hours
  • Video Counseling
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Practices