What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s in the Greater Miami-Dade Area?

Posted by Scott Cantin in caregiving, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments

Dementia Vs. Alzheimer’s: How To Treat Types of Memory Loss in Miami

When referring to a senior who is experiencing memory loss and confusion, you may use the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s interchangeably. However, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not the same. While your risk of getting both of these increases as you age, there are key differences to keep in mind. 

Whether you or your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia in Miami, hiring an in-home health care provider from Advancare is an excellent solution. Our compassionate professional caregivers are happy to clarify the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

A couple of the most common questions that we get at Advancare are, what is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s and, is there a link between depression and Alzheimer’s? The answer to the first question is that dementia is a blanket term used to describe symptoms that impact memory, the performance of daily activities, and communication abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. 

Younger adults can contract dementia or Alzheimer’s, but your risk increases as you get older. Neither of them is considered to be a normal part of the aging process. 

Symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

The early symptoms of dementia can be mild and easy to overlook. It often begins with simple moments of forgetfulness, and people with dementia often have a hard time keeping track of time and tend to get lost in familiar settings. As the condition worsens, symptoms can include increased memory loss, depression, inadequate hygiene, and poor decision-making. 

Meanwhile, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Depression
• Impaired judgment
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Behavioral changes

Causes

Sometimes dementia and Alzheimer’s are genetic diseases that are difficult to avoid, but there are other causes as well. 

• Brain damage due to injury or stroke
• Huntington’s disease
• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia

Dementia cannot always be prevented, but there are ways that you can improve your cognitive health and reduce your risk. The in-home caregivers at Advancare can help out by:

• Keeping the mind active with word puzzles, memory games, and reading
• Being physically active
• Quitting smoking
• Increasing your intake of vitamin D

Treatments

Dementia depression treatment can include treating the condition that causes dementia. Conditions that are most likely to respond to treatment include dementia due to:

• Drugs
• Tumors
• Hypoglycemia
• Metabolic disorders

Living with Memory Decline

If your loved one is suffering from memory decline due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, one of your best options is to hire an in-home caregiver from Advancare. Our caregivers understand the physical and emotional challenges that come with caring for a person with memory loss, and we can help your loved one by:

• Reading
• Playing mind-stimulating games
• Home organization
• Grooming, bathing, and dressing
• Toileting assistance
• Eating assistance
  

Get in Touch with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregivers in Miami

If you are noticing that your loved one is requiring increased supervision due to the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s, contact a compassionate caregiver from Advancare. Get started with us by calling 305-441-9794.