How is life living with a condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s? Well, there are a series of daily challenges and adjustments in a person’s life with these conditions. Dementia mainly affects memory, cognition, and behavior. Due to that, it becomes difficult to perform daily tasks and interactions with others. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition that impacts a person’s brain. It happens because of the microscopic changes within the brain that prevent nerve cells from properly functioning. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease is higher when the person ages.In addition, a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s may feel confused at times and have a range of emotional changes. However, support from another person can ease their difficult journey and improve their quality of life.
Do you want to know which is worse: dementia or Alzheimer’s? It is important to understand the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Let us discuss both Alzheimer’s and dementia in-depth and how we can offer support in these conditions.
About Dementia
Dementia is a broad term that refers to a range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to do daily activities independently. The most common symptoms of this ailment are memory loss, changes in thinking skills, and diminished focus and attention.
About Alzheimer’s
The most widespread cause of dementia is called Alzheimer’s disease. This is a physical illness that damages a person’s brain. It starts many years before symptoms begin to occur.
It’s often not possible at this stage to say for sure that the reason for the person’s symptoms is due to Alzheimer’s disease. This is because there might be lots of other causes.
Common Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Vs Dementia
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s can overlap with symptoms of other types of dementia, but there can be some variances.
Every type of dementia may show symptoms like:
- A decline in the thinking capability
- Memory impairment
- Communication impairment
- Declined focus and attention
- Changes in language
- Changes in behavior
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are:
- Apathy
- Difficulty in recalling recent events or conversations
- Disorientation
- Depression
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or walking in advanced stages of the disease
- Impaired judgment
- Confusion
- Behavioral changes
Certain forms of dementia may show shared symptoms, but each type also presents different symptoms that can aid in making a precise diagnosis. Recognizing these symptoms helps differentiate between the various forms of dementia and ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Also Read:- Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services: Why Prefer Them?
Which Condition Is Worst?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are somewhat similar conditions. But, the impact of both can vary depending on individual circumstances. You may want to know which is worse: dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Here is the answer:
Severity
Alzheimer’s is a kind of dementia. While comparing both conditions, Alzheimer’s would be considered a specific and often severe form of dementia.
The severity and impact can be significant in both, but Alzheimer’s disease usually leads to more severe cognitive decline. Moreover, Alzheimer’s has fewer treatment options available to decelerate its progression.
Impact
The impact of dementia or Alzheimer’s may be intense on the individual and their caregivers. Alzheimer’s has severe effects on memory and cognitive function that can lead to more extreme challenges in day-to-day life.
Management
Both dementia and Alzheimer’s can be managed with medications, supportive care, and therapy. However, Alzheimer’s disease generally needs more intensive care as it progresses.
Caregiving Tips For Dementia Or Alzheimer’s Patients
Caregivers are usually the family members or the closest friends. The caregiving role comes with countless responsibilities. But, it can be rewarding for some people. While caring for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients, you need to be very considerate. Let us understand how you can offer the ideal support for them:
Prioritize Healthy Communication
Some people with dementia may find communication difficult. They might have problems finding the right word or following a conversation. Other factors that may affect communication can be pain, side effects of medication, and sensory impairments.
Dementia patients often communicate using behavior or body language, such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.
It is crucial to prioritize healthy communication with dementia patients. You must simplify language and use clear and direct sentences while avoiding complex or abstract impressions. Focus on nonverbal indications and create a relaxed, distraction-free environment for better interactions.
Make Them Feel Independent
Usually, the level of dependence is high in dementia. Based on what the stage of dementia is, lots of patients can still carry out day-to-day tasks without help. So, you must let them do what they like. Their involvement in various activities can help improve their condition.
When dementia patients perform any task, it keeps them busy. Along with that, it offers psychological and physical stimulation.
Avoid Arguments
Unlike normal people, dementia patients may be incapable of thinking and reasoning. So, arguing with such a person will result in making the loved one upset. If the patient wants to go somewhere, try not to explain to them the reason they cannot go. Just make an excuse and divert their attention by giving them some work.
If it is a movie show, just say the tickets were sold out, or you have some urgent work for the day. If they want to go to work, tell them their boss called and said the office is closed for renovations or work was canceled because of the weather.
Limit Napping
Abnormal sleep routines are common in dementia patients, often making them feel tired and restless. To avoid this, you as a caregiver must avoid multiple naps following lunchtime. By doing so, you can lessen the likelihood of them staying up all night. When they sleep well at night, they feel active for the next day and can perform various tasks.
Plan a Routine
Setting a routine is vital for both dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. When you have a planned routine, you don’t have to think about what you have to do next. You can focus on dedicating more time to activities that are meaningful for your loved one. Take care of the patient and ensure they bathe, eat, and sleep at the same time daily.
How to Assure Home Safety For Patients?
Caregivers must also take essential steps to make the home a safer place for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s. By adding an extra layer of safety, caregivers can give the patients more freedom to move around independently.
How can you ensure a safe environment for an Alzheimer’s or Dementia patient? Let us find out. Here are some of the tips you can consider for improving home safety:
Ensure Your Staircase Is Safe
Do you have stairs in your house? If yes, then ensure that there is a handrail for support. Also, you can put safety grip strips on your staircase. For enhanced safety, you can even mark the edges with colored tape so that they are more visible.
Remove Hazards
Ensure that there are no unused items or electrical cords on the way, or else the person may trip over them. If there are, clear them away. Take away or store cleaning and household products, like matches and thinners, in a secure location.
Add Lighting
Add good lighting to all the rooms and the outside areas of your house. This will create a more positive and secure environment for the patient.
Safety Plugs
Insert safety plugs into electrical sockets that you don’t use to prevent accidental contact. You can also install safety latches on cabinet doors to keep dangerous items out of reach.
How to Assure a Healthy Lifestyle For Patients?
Following a healthy diet and staying fit is good for everyone, including Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. But if the ailment progresses, it may be difficult for patients to find ways to eat healthy foods and stay active.
We have mentioned some of the best tips that can help. Let’s check them out:
Encourage Physical Activities
You can think of various activities the patient can do to remain active throughout the day. Cooking and baking, household chores, exercise, and gardening are some examples.
Be Realistic
It is good to have realistic expectations when looking after somebody with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Try to be realistic about the intensity of the activity. It would be best to consider short mini-workouts according to their capability.
Offer Healthful Meals
Get various healthy foods. Consider easy-to-prepare meals, like premade salads and single portions. You may have a busy schedule or limited cooking skills. So, premade salads and single-serving portions are the best options to support balanced eating while lessening stress and effort in the kitchen.
Add Some Music
You can also add music to the exercises or activities. This may boost motivation and make the experience more joyous. If possible, try dancing to the music for extra fun.
Walk
Go for a walk every day. Walking is the best activity for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Not only is the person you are caring for, but it also offers significant health benefits for you. This habit lets both of you enjoy fresh air, engage in light physical activity, and strengthen your connection, all while improving overall wellness.
In Closing
That is all we like to tell you about the distinction between Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You may now know which is worse: Dementia Or Alzheimer’s. Dementia can affect an individual’s thinking ability, significantly impacting memory, reasoning, mood, and more. Alzheimer’s is a more severe form of dementia that can lead to a serious decline in cognitive health. It also has fewer treatment options available to decelerate its progression.
Do you need help with Dementia or Alzheimer’s care? Alnicor Consulting is here for you! We know it is not easy to deal with ailments like Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But Alnicor Consulting can be your true partner. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing professional guidance for better recovery. Contact us today for our professional caregiving services. Join our video sessions and receive compassionate support for your loved ones today!