What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Dementia?

Some aging seniors may start to experience cognitive challenges, but it’s not always clear what might be causing them. Could it be dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or even Lewy body dementia? Understanding the signs and seeking a diagnosis can help provide clarity. It might seem like the terms are interchangeable, but there are a few key differences to note.

Dementia

Dementia is a general term that describes multiple symptoms of cognitive decline, including memory, reasoning, and other thinking skills. In general, dementia is caused by damaged brain cells affecting an individual’s ability to think, feel, communicate, and behave as they did earlier in life.

There is not one specific type of “dementia.” It is a catch-all term that encompasses many different conditions. The most common of these is Alzheimer’s disease; according to the Alzheimer’s Association, it accounts for around 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. In some cases, multiple types of dementia can be present at the same time.

While most associate dementia with deteriorating memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, several other symptoms can occur across the ailment’s various forms. Trouble walking or moving, changes in behavior (such as extreme mood swings, selfishness, or lack of empathy), unusual food preferences, loss of inhibitions, and lack of bladder control are all symptoms that are linked with dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a specific form of dementia often recognized by an individual’s loss of short-term memory. To put it as simply as possible, the disease degenerates the brain after cell damage occurs. Memory trouble is often the first noticeable symptom of Alzheimer’s; the earliest stages of the disease impact the part of the brain that helps you process and store new information.

That’s the scientific explanation, but what does it look like when it manifests in real life? It often begins to take form in conversations with friends and family; the person with Alzheimer’s disease will frequently ask the same question over and over, and will frequently tell the same story. 

Many other symptoms can arise as the disease progresses. Severe disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes are common. Physical debilitation, such as difficulty walking and swallowing, make it hard to manage life without a full-time nurse or caregiver.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects cognitive abilities, motor skills, and behavior. It is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain, which interfere with the brain’s normal functioning. LBD often presents with symptoms such as visual hallucinations, difficulty with attention and focus, sleep disturbances, and physical issues like tremors and stiffness. It also affects memory and problem-solving skills, making it difficult for individuals to carry out daily tasks. As one of the most common types of dementia, Lewy body dementia can overlap with other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, due to its impact on movement.

While Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease share similarities, such as memory loss and cognitive decline, they differ in key aspects. Alzheimer’s primarily affects memory early on, while Lewy body dementia tends to cause more prominent issues with attention, alertness, and visual hallucinations. In addition, LBD patients may experience sudden fluctuations in their cognitive abilities, where they have good and bad days or even moments within the same day. Both diseases are progressive and ultimately impact brain function, but LBD’s hallmark movement symptoms and vivid hallucinations set it apart from Alzheimer’s, which typically involves a steadier decline in memory and thinking abilities without the pronounced motor issues.

Senior Care Options for Those With Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia

Some may think that those experiencing cognitive decline would be better off with in-home care, but many seniors and their families find that Memory Care communities are better suited to fulfill their needs. Having a consistent routine and engaging with the same people every day can go a long way to enhancing the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. All of The Gallery senior living communities offer memory care, a care level that is artfully crafted to residents with cognitive disorders, making residents comfortable without having to worry about the stigma many associate with memory and bodily function loss.