It’s very common to hear the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” used interchangeably. However, they’re not the same thing, and in terms of understanding their treatment and management, it’s important to know how they differ.

Here's some information to better understand the difference.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia isn't one specific disease”. Instead, dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities which can severely interfere with daily functioning.

It's important to note that although dementia typically includes memory loss, there are a lot more conditions that cause memory loss. Types of dementias include Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, Mixed, and Alzheimer's.

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S?

“Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia," as defined by the Alzheimer's Association. It accounts for 60%-80% of all cases of dementia.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens over time. Initially, the symptoms may be subtle: forgetting where you put an item, to attend a scheduled activity, or how to complete familiar tasks. "Alzheimer’s patients may not remember what they did yesterday or recall what they ate for breakfast,” says Susan F., national health services director at The Goodman Group. Those tend to be minor symptoms that occur early on.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, however, the symptoms become more severe. “They may get lost doing usual things, are no longer able to pay their bills by themselves, or may leave something on the stove,” she says. Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s will need special assistance and care. As their caregiver, it's important that you practice patience and empathy as well as find new ways to communicate if they are struggling.

COPING WITH ALZHEIMER’S

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer's and no way to prevent it. However, there are ways to alleviate symptoms, which help slow the progression of Alzheimer's.

REMINDERS

Susan recommends putting reminders throughout the house to remember important things. For example:

• Turn the stove off after cooking.
• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• The TV remote is located (fill in the blank).
• Take X, Y, Z medications at (fill in the blank) a.m./p.m.
• Brush your teeth and wash your hair at (fill in the blank) a.m./p.m.

It's also helpful if caretakers set aside outfits for each day of the week versus tops here and pants there.

ACTIVE MIND AND BODY

Nothing may be more important than exercise, a nutritious diet, and challenging one's mind. Encourage your loved one to take daily walks and exercise their arms, legs and core as much as possible. Then, fuel that strong body with plenty of fruits, vegetables and water. Because Alzheimer's heavily impacts the brain, it's vital to keep your loved one's mind engaged every day. Complete puzzles together, and help them challenge themselves mentally as frequently as you can.

SOCIALIZATION

It’s also important that someone with Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, not become isolated. “Some people, as they get older, isolate themselves," Susan says. "They may do better in their own home, but that’s also more challenging because they’ve learned to hide symptoms in their own environment.” If you see that happening with a loved one, you can help by scheduling time together away from home. “They need to get out and be stimulated," she says. "Take them to group activities, a memory cafe, exercise programs, small groups, and other events.”

CATCH IT EARLY

An early diagnosis can help, too. Some medications can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. So, if you’re observing early symptoms of what could be a form of dementia, it’s best to visit your doctor as soon as possible. They can run the proper diagnostics to streamline a diagnosis and treatment plan.

There is also genetic testing that can tell you if you carry a gene that indicates you're more susceptible to getting Alzheimer's. Although this can be helpful, Alzheimer's is only 5% familial and 95% random, according to Susan.

It's important not to focus all your attention on one form of alleviation but to work through a variety of them each and every day. The more engaged your loved one's mind and body are, the better their symptoms can be.