Is All Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease?


Author: Ketan Shah

Senior Care in Campbell CA

As a family caregiver, it is your responsibility to help your elderly loved one understand the various challenges and risk factors that they face and what they can do to reduce their risks and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life. This means understanding the terms that you are likely to hear throughout your care journey and knowing how to respond to them effectively. One such term is “dementia.” Whether you are just getting started on your care journey or you have been caring for your parent for some time already, you have likely heard the term dementia and been concerned about how your elderly loved one would experience such a condition. Many people use the terms “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” interchangeably, which might lead you to wondering if all cases of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to keep in mind that the term “dementia” does not just apply to one condition. Instead, it is a blanket term that applies to a wide variety of cognitive and mental symptoms that represent a decline in function. These symptoms can be temporary, such as in the case of delirium or a urinary tract infection, or permanent and progressive, such as in the case of Alzheimer’s disease. Of all of the types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. This progressive disease accounts for approximately 60 to 80 percent of the cases of dementia that occur. Experts estimate that this accounts for nearly 4 million people throughout the United States who are currently living with the condition.

Recognizing that all cases of dementia are not Alzheimer’s disease is an important step in understanding what your aging parent might be facing if they are diagnosed with dementia or start showing symptoms of cognitive decline. This enables you to give them the level of care that they deserve as they age in place.

If your elderly parent has been showing signs of dementia or has been progressing through the condition and has been experiencing challenges and limitations that have increased to the point that you feel they would benefit from additional support, now is the ideal time for you to consider senior care for them. Having a senior home care services provider in the home with your elderly loved one is an exceptional way to ensure that they get the customized level of care, support, encouragement, and assistance that they need as they progress through their dementia. Regardless of the type of dementia that your parent is suffering, the highly personalized services of a senior care provider are designed to address their individual symptoms while also respecting their individuality, personality, lifestyle, and goals. This means that they are able to remain safe, healthy, and comfortable while also maintaining as much independence, activity, and fulfillment as they age in place. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, the progression can cover many years. Starting senior care early in the progression can help your parent to get the best care possible and continue to pursue a life that is active, engaged, and meaningful.

Source
http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
http://www.alz.org/dementia/types-of-dementia.asp
https://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2016-facts-and-figures.pdf

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Campbell, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.

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