Understanding the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often mentioned together, which can cause confusion about their relationship and differences. While they share common symptoms, understanding their distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management. Dementia is a condition where problems with memory or other types of thinking make it hard for a person to do everyday activities by themselves. It can be caused by several different diseases that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease starts in the brain many years before symptoms start to show. Early symptoms are mild and so don’t stop someone doing their normal everyday activities. It’s only later that symptoms become severe enough to be called ‘dementia’

What is dementia?

• Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include: 
• Memory loss 
• Confusion and needing help with daily tasks 
• Problems with language and understanding  
• Changes in behaviour. 

Dementia is progressive, which means symptoms may be relatively mild at first, but they get worse over time.  

What is Alzheimer’s?

• Forget about recent conversations or events.
• Misplace items.
• Forget the names of places and objects.
• Have trouble thinking of the right word.
• Ask questions repetitively.
• Show poor judgement or find it harder to make decisions.
• Become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things.

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia, accounting for about 60-70% of cases. It’s a progressive neurological condition that causes brain cells to degenerate, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Key Differences

• Dementia: Refers to a group of symptoms affecting mental tasks.
• Alzheimer’s: A specific disease that is one form of dementia.

• Dementia: Can include memory loss, language difficulties, and changes in mood.
• Alzheimer’s: Often begins with short-term memory loss but progresses to severe cognitive decline.

• Dementia: Can result from various conditions, including strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and more.
• Alzheimer’s: The exact cause is unknown, but it involves the build-up of proteins in the brain.

Statistics

• Dementia Prevalence: Approximately 900,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, a number expected to rise to over 1.6 million by 2040.
• Alzheimer’s Impact: Alzheimer’s disease accounts for around 62% of dementia cases, meaning over half a million people in the UK have Alzheimer’s specifically.
• Economic Burden: The total cost of dementia to the UK is estimated at £34.7 billion annually, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support.

As the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia continues to rise, raising awareness and understanding of conditions like Alzheimer’s becomes ever more vital. If you or someone you know is facing these challenges, seeking help and resources is a crucial step forward.

Let’s continue to support research and awareness, making strides towards a future where dementia ans Alzeimer’s is better understood and managed.

If your organisation is looking for care workers to assist with mental health or the well-being of your retired loved ones, please learn more about Angel Care and contact us.