[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-alzheimers-dementia-different\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-alzheimers-dementia-different\/","headline":"Are Alzheimer\u2019s & dementia Different?","name":"Are Alzheimer\u2019s & dementia Different?","description":"Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia may differ, but they have a few things in common. Neither one is curable, and both require […]","datePublished":"2022-07-29","dateModified":"2025-10-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"Developer","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Fox Trail Memory Care","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","width":474,"height":250}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","width":432,"height":130},"url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-alzheimers-dementia-different\/","about":["Alzheimer's Disease","dementia"],"wordCount":769,"articleBody":"Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia may differ, but they have a few things in common. Neither one is curable, and both require intensive 24\/7 care in the later stages. Memory care communities offer services for people whose minds are affected by these terrible conditions.Even though there is no cure, both Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia symptoms can be treated, and therapies are available to help. This is why it\u2019s important that someone who has developed either condition receives care from qualified caregivers.What is dementia?dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s are often used interchangeably when discussing a decline in mental state. However, this isn\u2019t accurate because dementia is not a specific disease. It\u2019s an umbrella term that covers a large variety of symptoms.Contrary to what many people think, dementia is not actually age-related. Damage to brain cells inhibits their ability to communicate with one another, and this is a root of dementia. In fact, it\u2019s extremely rare, but even people in their 20s can develop dementia. This is called onset dementia.Some of the common dementia symptoms are:Worsening memoryChanges in one\u2019s ability to think and reasonLowered attention spans and ability to focusBehavior and language changesWhat is Alzheimer\u2019s?Unlike dementia, Alzheimer\u2019s is a brain disease and the most common way that dementia manifests. The changes in one\u2019s brain that cause Alzheimer\u2019s symptoms begin long before any symptoms are present.Scientists still don\u2019t know for sure what the exact cause of Alzheimer\u2019s is, and there is currently no cure.According to our current knowledge, scientists\u2019 best guess at the cause of Alzheimer\u2019s is a protein and plaque buildup around the millions of cells in the brain. These blockages prevent the cells from communicating properly, and eventually, the cells die off. This is a significant reason that Alzheimer\u2019s symptoms continually worsen as the disease progresses.Many people assume that Alzheimer\u2019s is age-related. And there is a strong connection between age and the disease, but just like dementia, it\u2019s not tied to age because even younger people can develop the disease. In fact, people will have Alzheimer\u2019s for many years before showing any signs.Common symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s are mostly the same as the dementia symptoms above but may also include:Trouble with vision\u2014distance, colors, balance, reading, etc.Problems with speech and writingInability to retrace stepsChanging personality and overall moodHow You Can Help Someone Struggling With Alzheimer\u2019s or dementiaEven without special training, there are things that you can do to help your loved one who develops Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia. Depending on how much either is affecting their brain, it may be best to consult a physician who can advise on any particular things you can try.Here are a few strategies you can try:Prevent or reduce frustration by creating a solid routine for yourself and your loved one.Expect that things may take longer and plan accordingly.Allow your loved one some choices (2 or 3 at most) in things, which helps them practice critical thinking and problem-solving.Be flexible\u2014things are prone to changing unexpectedly regarding Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia.Ensure that the home of your loved one is safe. For example, minimize ways they can fall, lock dangerous rooms, cabinets, or drawers, and lower the house\u2019s water temperature to prevent water burns.Caring For YourselfAs important as the care of your loved one is, don\u2019t neglect your personal care. Take time for yourself when you need it, even if it\u2019s just for an afternoon to catch up on some running around. There are short-term respite care options\u2014even for people with dementia.If you aren\u2019t taking care of yourself, you likely won\u2019t be able to care for your loved one properly.Memory CareIf caring for someone with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia becomes too much, there are special memory care homes specifically designed for their needs. The communities are built for the safety of people with memory issues, and the staff receive special training to deal with the complications that may arise when helping someone with dementia.\u00a0Depending on the situation, there are short and long-term options available.Find Out More About How Memory Care WorksIf you\u2019re wondering about memory care options for your loved one, reach out to us today. The friendly staff at Fox Trail Memory Care is happy to answer any questions and book a tour of the community so you and your loved one can see the quality of care you\u2019ll receive."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Are Alzheimer\u2019s & dementia Different?","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-alzheimers-dementia-different\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]