Yes there is, however, the one thing they both have in common is that neither are something to be expected or considered a normal part of aging. Science simply doesn’t have the answers, but being able to distinguish the difference between them is vital in order to treat and manage the syndrome.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can develop in younger people as well, but the risk of either does increase as we age. Dementia is the term used to describe the overall impact of symptoms that affect memory and communication, as well as having a very real impact on daily life and activities.
Alzheimer’s is what is known as one of the most common types of dementia, and, the impact on thought, language and memory continues to worsen over time. There is unfortunately no reversal of symptoms or their effects.
Dementia isn’t considered a disease, but rather a syndrome, which means that it consists of various symptoms cannot be definitively diagnosed. Alzheimer’s falls under the umbrella of dementia, which is only one of a variety of conditions that affect cognitive abilities and our ability to reason, and Alzheimer’s is one of the most common of these conditions.
There are more than just one type of dementia, further complicating the ability for the medical profession to reach a definitive diagnosis.
The one thing that is certain, is that as the disease progresses, those living with dementia are less able to function independently.
This means that they cannot be left alone at all, and if caring for an elderly parent living with dementia is taken on by the family at home, instead of in a care facility, the emotional and financial strain will be a major adjustment for all.
If a family member becomes the main caregiver to a parent living in their own home, a lot of support will be needed, from family and community, as well as from the medical profession.
While dementia is a word used to describe a group of symptoms that have a negative impact on memory, Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that is progressive, leaving sufferers with memory impairment and a steady decline in cognitive function.
While degenerative diseases such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can cause dementia, each one of these will affect brain cells in very different ways, however, Alzheimer’s is thought to be responsible for up to 70 percent of dementia cases.
Dementia care at home
If you’ve taken on the role of caregiver for a parent living with dementia, you’re going to need to know a lot more about the syndrome than the basics given here, and there’s a wealth of information available today to make understanding what your parent is going through and how to cope with it as caregiver easier than ever before.
More than anything else, as your parent’s personality changes and he becomes less and less able to care for himself, the reality will set in that he will no longer be able to be left on his own.
You’re going to need help to keep yourself from burning out and possibly heading for depression, all of which is entirely possible, which is where the support of others going through what you’re experiencing is going to be of infinite value.
Joining a support group, once you have as much of an understanding of what you’re dealing with, is going to be a lifeline for you. Knowing that you’re not alone and having shared stories that could help you on your own journey of caring for your loved one will make a big difference to your role.
Reaching out for help is highly recommended. Having a well trained, compassionate caregiver available to lend a helping hand is something well worth considering.
Dementia care is a specialised field, and when you need assistance, whether part or full time, CareChamp has a portfolio of fully vetted caregivers available to help, 24/7.
Even if all you need is a few hours a week to yourself, you’ll find the easy booking system, tailored care plans and affordable rates put together by the team at CareChamp straightforward and simple.
You can chat to this friendly team online, telephonically or via email should you have any questions about what CareChamp can do to ease the challenge of caring for a parent with dementia on your own.