[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-alzheimers-dementia-the-same-thing\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-alzheimers-dementia-the-same-thing\/","headline":"Are Alzheimer\u2019s & dementia the Same Thing?","name":"Are Alzheimer\u2019s & dementia the Same Thing?","description":"As some people grow older and transition into new stages of their life, they may become affected by diseases like […]","datePublished":"2022-04-28","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-the-same-thing\/","about":["Alzheimer's Disease","dementia"],"wordCount":826,"articleBody":"As some people grow older and transition into new stages of their life, they may become affected by diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and other types of dementia that cause a decline in memory and make everyday life more difficult. These diseases come in many forms and require different skills to help manage them.What are the differences between Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia? The answer is that while they are related, they are different.There are vital factors, medically and behaviorally, that distinguish the 2 conditions. These factors change how we can help community members with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia.What is dementia?dementia covers several symptoms and conditions that affect memory, social ability, and thinking that can severely impact a person\u2019s daily life. dementia is not a disease on its own but a combination of many different diseases that can cause the condition.Symptoms can vary based on the primary cause of dementia, but most individuals can experience:Memory lossLoss of spatial & visual abilitiesConfusion regarding date, time, & locationVisual hallucinationsDiminished motor skillsDifficulty balancing & walkingCauses of dementiaThe condition can result from vascular disease, lewy bodies, frontotemporal shrinkage, and Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Most cases are mixed dementia, characterized by a person exhibiting multiple causes of dementia.What is Alzheimer\u2019s?Alzheimer\u2019s disease causes the brain to shrink slowly over time and damage brain cells. It typically begins in the region of the brain that controls memory. As the condition progresses, people with Alzheimer\u2019s can experience:Progressive memory lossChanges in behaviorIncreased confusionImpaired judgmentDifficulty communicatingEmotional indifferenceAlzheimer\u2019s is the most common cause of dementia. Over 5.2 million Americans over 65 are affected by Alzheimer\u2019s, with women accounting for almost two-thirds of all Americans affected.Causes of Alzheimer\u2019sAlzheimer\u2019s researchers have focused on 2 proteins; plaques and tangles:Plaques are fragments of larger proteins that cluster together, forming larger deposits, leading to cellular damage.Tangles are forms of tau proteins that change shape and organize themselves into structures, disrupting the system that transports nutrients around the brain.The exact causes of Alzheimer\u2019s are unknown. The most commonly attributed causes are genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.The Key Differences Between Alzheimer\u2019s and dementiaWhile related, Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia cause individuals to exhibit varied symptoms and require different levels of care and expertise to ensure a fulfilling and joyful life.A person with Alzheimer\u2019s might experience memory loss, changes in behavior, and some confusion. On the other hand, a person with dementia might experience a loss of motor skills, more severe confusion, and hallucinations.How to Tell if Someone is Experiencing Alzheimer\u2019s or dementiaEarly Alzheimer\u2019s symptoms to look for in your loved ones over the age of 65 include:Changes in mood or behaviorDifficulty with short-term memoryUnfamiliarity with daily tasksRepeating statements or storiesImpaired judgment & decision-makingDistrust in othersEarly dementia symptoms include:Increased paranoiaGetting lost more easilyLoss of motor functionDifficulty communicatingHallucinationsA person with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia will need more attention as the condition progresses to keep them safe, joyful, and fulfilled. As you care for your loved one through this new stage of their life, you may see the need for more specialized care options.Why Some People Need Specialized CareThe decision to access full-time care for people with Alzheimer\u2019s or other dementias can be challenging. What about their autonomy and freedom? In many cases, a person\u2019s condition may progress to a point where their safety and wellbeing are in question.Often with advanced cases, individuals can become distrustful of those around them, even the people they know and love the most. As a caregiver, you might not be ready or able to provide the level of care your loved one requires to be happy and fulfilled. Situations may occur that put you in a difficult position when it comes to keeping your loved one safe. Memory Care professionals are able to handle these types of situations while maintaining a person\u2019s dignity and respect.Boutique Memory CareAt Fox Trail Memory Care, we take pride in offering specialized memory care services for your loved ones. Every resident\u2019s diverse needs, lifestyles, and unique interests are part of creating a personalized memory support experience.We design our memory care services to keep residents engaged and fulfilled, exercising their cognitive abilities to stimulate their memory function and strengthen their balance and motor functions.While most residents with dementia have Alzheimer\u2019s, the 2 conditions often require different and specialized care. Engaging activities and dedicated staff ensure that your loved one\u2019s wellness is always at the center of our care approach. Our Fox Trail Memory Care locations in New Jersey provide home-style apartments that give residents a familiar space to continue living a joyful, pleasant, and healthy lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more."},{"@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 the Same Thing?","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-alzheimers-dementia-the-same-thing\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]