Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease share many similarities, yet they are distinct conditions.
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that gradually affects your cognitive function and memory. Meanwhile, dementia universally covers various symptoms that can affect your behaviour, thinking and reasoning skills.
Sova Healthcare’s guide covers the differences between Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
What are the Causes of Dementia?
Many symptoms and diseases can cause you to have dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Different types of dementia can affect individuals differently and can occur at various stages.
However, there are early signs that may appear before receiving a dementia diagnosis, which include:
- Struggling to focus and concentrate
- You find it difficult to think clearly or make decisions
- Daily activities and tasks become harder to do
- Regularly lose track of time and get confused about things
- You experience frequent mood swings
Alzheimer’s Affects Your Brain Health
The brain is significantly affected if you have Alzheimer’s disease. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the hippocampus is the first part to be damaged. This affects how you learn new information and form new memories. Over time, as Alzheimer’s spreads to other parts of your brain, it affects how you complete daily activities, as well as recognising faces and places.
Dementia Affects Your Memory and Behaviour
If you have dementia, it can have a major impact on your memory and your behaviour. It becomes harder for you to maintain interest in daily hobbies you used to enjoy and start conversations with friends and family members. This can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health, leading to social withdrawal and being agitated over time.
Alzheimer’s Disease Cannot Be Cured
Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, but there are many ways you can manage the condition, including:
- Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) – It’s a type of activity that can be done over many weeks to keep your mind active.
- Counselling and talking therapies
- Various drug treatments can be used to manage your Alzheimer’s symptoms
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Using music and art therapy – which includes making music or painting
Why Choose Sova Healthcare as Your Alzheimer’s or Dementia Care Provider?
Are you living with dementia or Alzheimer’s? Sova Healthcare is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which means our healthcare professionals are highly skilled and experienced in providing high-quality Alzheimer’s and dementia care across the country. Whether you live in London, Yorkshire, or the East Midlands, we can provide a tailored healthcare service designed around your needs.
Contact our team today for more information about our Alzheimer’s and Dementia care services.