Challenging misconceptions - "Dementia is the same as Alzheimer's disease"

 

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a disease; dementia is the term given to a group of symptoms caused when the brain is damaged by diseases such as Alzheimer’s or a series of strokes. These symptoms often include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem solving or language and a person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour.  The specific symptoms that a person will experience will depend on the parts of the brain that have been damaged and the disease causing the dementia.

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, however there are other causes including:

• Vascular dementia is when a lack of oxygen to the brain causes nerve cells to die. This can be the result of a stroke, a series of mini strokes or a disease of the small blood vessels.

• Dementia with Lewy bodies is when abnormal structures form in the brain and cause the death of nerve cells.

• Mixed dementia is having more than one type of dementia with a mix of different symptoms

• Frontotemporal dementia is the formation of clumps of abnormal proteins in the front and sides of the brain causing the death of nerve cells.

Unfortunately, dementia is progressive meaning that it will worsen over time.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

A physical disease, Alzheimer’s is the term given to the build-up of abnormal structures called ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’ inside the brain – it affects different areas to frontotemporal dementia. These structures disrupt normal cell function and communication eventually causing the cells to die. They also cause shortages of important brain chemicals meaning that messages don’t travel around the brain as well as they should.

Alzheimer’s tends to begin gradually with mild memory loss and the individual may experience difficulty remembering events or learning new information. Other symptoms can include struggling with language such as finding the right words or making decisions and problem solving. As the disease progresses, issues with memory loss, reasoning and communication become more severe and the individual will need more and more day-to-day support to manage daily tasks.

Watching someone close to you have their life impacted by dementia can be upsetting and overwhelming. Nurseplus Care at home understands that receiving care in your own home allows those with a dementia diagnosis to feel comfortable and alleviates the risk of depression. Being in familiar surroundings is crucial for someone with Dementia. We provide support to you or your loved ones in the comfort of your own home ensuring a safe and secure environment at all times. All our nurses, healthcare assistants and home carers receive regular fully-accredited training to prepare them to deliver the best practice in care at all times.

Find out more about our homecare services.