While the terms are often used interchangeably, dementia and Alzheimer's disease aren't the same. If you have a loved one who's experiencing problems with cognition, understanding this difference is crucial. Learn more about these conditions so you can seek memory care assistance that suits their specific needs.

Dementia

Dementia describes a range of symptoms that affect a person's mental faculties. It's not a disease, but rather a syndrome prompted by another illness or injury. Causes include medication, infections in the brain, and even exposure to toxins.

There are many different types of dementia. Vascular dementia is one variety, which results from damage to the vessels in the brain, creating problems with blood and oxygen flow. Lewy body dementia occurs when protein deposits form in nerve cells, which prevents the brain from sending and receiving messages properly. There's also frontotemporal dementia, which results from nerve cell damage in specific regions of the brain.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia. While no specific cause has yet been determined, Alzheimer's most often impacts people who are aged 65 or older. It's also more likely to occur in people with a family history of the disease, or those with a genetic link to the illness.

During the first few stages of Alzheimer's, symptoms are usually mild and might not cause much disruption to a person's life. In later stages, a person will need ongoing assistance from loved ones and caregivers, even with daily chores and tasks. Memory care assistance is also recommended for the later stages.

Being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s is certainly not easy. That’s why Serenity Adult Day Care is here to help families in Powder Springs, GA, provide the best assistance. Their fully licensed and certified staff will see to all of your loved one’s needs, including personal care, meal preparation, and medication administration. They also provide memory care assistance to help improve cognitive skills, and recreational activities to engage seniors’ bodies and minds. Call (678) 324-1237 or visit their website today for more information on their services.