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    Angela Lunde

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  • Alzheimer's blog

  • Sept. 27, 2007

    Alzheimer's disease and dementia are different

    By Angela Lunde

324 comments posted

My sincere appreciation to all of you who have posted a comment or two on this new blog, I am elated by the rapid interest! Your exchange of stories, ideas, and challenges, along with the compassionate support you are giving one another, is exactly what I hope this blog can provide. As one individual stated, "Your experiences will comfort me."

Know that I will weigh in from time to time on some of the issues that surface, but for this blog, the real experts will be all of you impacted in one way or another by Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Each of you can provide a depth of knowledge shaped by your own circumstances; when it comes to a devastating disease like AD, sometimes simply an exchange of experiences is what matters most. I will, however, comment on themes and general issues that emerge and provide links to resources that I think can be beneficial.

For this entry, let me just state that there is often confusion and misunderstanding with the terms Alzheimer's disease and dementia, but there is a distinct difference.

The term dementia refers to a set of symptoms, not the disease itself. These symptoms might include language difficulty, loss of recent memory or poor judgment. In other words, when an individual is said to have dementia they are exhibiting certain symptoms. With a thorough screening including blood tests (to rule out other causes of dementia such as vitamin deficiency), a mental status evaluation, neuropsychological testing, and sometimes a brain scan, doctors can accurately diagnose the cause of the dementia symptoms in 90 percent of the cases. (It is true however, that Alzheimer's can be diagnosed with complete accuracy only after death, using a microscopic examination of brain tissue, which checks for plaques and tangles).

Although Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-70 percent of cases of dementia, other disorders that cause dementia include: Vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy Bodies and Frontotemporal dementia.

In the early stages of a disease, there can be some clear differences between the diseases. For example, in dementia with Lewy Bodies (the second most common cause of dementia) early symptoms of the disease may not be so much forgetfulness, but lowered attention span, recurrent visual hallucinations, and a fluctuation between periods of lucidity (or clear thinking) followed by periods of confusion. However, as the specific disease advances, more parts of the brain become affected, and the differences from one cause of dementia to another are subtle.

In concluding my entry today, I'd like to pose a question: You may have heard the saying, "When you've met one person with Alzheimer's, you've met one person with Alzheimer's disease." In other words, no two persons are similar in how the disease impacts them. This holds true for caregivers as well. If you have seen how Alzheimer's disease (or related dementia) impacts one caregiver, you have seen how it impacts one caregiver. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a similar dementia, how has it impacted you, more importantly, how do you cope?

Keep posting!

In Support,
Angela

324 comments posted

blog index

  • November 20, 2011 2:53 p.m.

    I'm curious why I find so little said by doctors and medical experts on the connection between hearing loss and Alzheimer's/Dementia. There seems to be a growing body of research supporting the possibility of hearing loss being at least a contributing factor, if not a marker for the disease. And why do doctors so frequently overlook a hearing evaluation in finding possible sources of displayed symptoms, or recommending hearing correction and rehabilitation as a strategy for reducing or alleviating symptoms?

    - Duane

  • November 17, 2011 3:10 p.m.

    My mother has been living with me and my family for about 3 years now.She finally moved in at my urging because I couldn't keep up with two housholds and a full time job. It is a very stressful and depressing disease. She functions well, bathes, keeps her room clean etc. but can no longer handle cooking her own meals, finances, schedules or medications. I now work from home and find that very difficult as she has started shadowing me. Sometimes I get angry , and wish my brothers would help out more. I feel exhausted at times and just want to get away. There are times that I lie to her and tell her that I have to run out for work when really, I just need time to myself (I run a business from home, have two teenage daughters, and a husband). I love my mother dearly and we have always been very close but there are times when I think to myself how much easier it would be to find a retirement home for her and visit her rather than deal with her waking me in the night or hiding her wallet and having to search for hours, or having her ask me to take her shopping every day, or wisper conversations with my husband so we can have privacy. She has become very argumentative and makes up stories to fill in the gap in her memory as well as repeating all day. It would be so nice to be able to go out alone with my husband, or book a holiday...Then I regret these feelings, how could I even think like that, she's my mother and she sacrificed so much for me?There is so much anger and guilt.

    - Kirsty

  • November 14, 2011 7:47 p.m.

    My mother is 67 years old. The last three years she has gone down hill fast with her memory! She repeats herself all the time, can't remember what she had for lunch, but can tell you what she did 40 years ago! She lost her sense of smell too. If I tell her something she acts like it's the first time shes heard it. (when in fact its something we have talked about many times). She gets very nasty with her words. And I have noticed that when she can't carry on a conversation she will repeat the same pharse over and over! I never know what will happen when I call her. (I live in Ohio, she lives in NY). She always thinks she has lost her purse too! She has a husband who is becomig short with her, because of this. It is a hard thing to see your spouse forget everything! She refuses to let the doctor do tests on her. She has had alot of surgeries in the past. Also, I should point out that she has taken valium and pain medicine for years! But this is different. I don't know what to do or say anymore at this point. It anyones opinion, do you think this is the beginning stage of Alzheimers?? I could go on and on about the things she does but I am really scared that this is what she has. She has even forgotten her grandchildrens names at time. She can't drive anymore either! Please, if anyone has some input, I would greatly appreciate it.

    - Renee

  • November 13, 2011 10:29 p.m.

    Hilary, How do you Know she has Dementia? Was she diagnosed by a Neuropsychologist? There are many things to look at. If it is AD she would need to be in a facility unit for strickly AD patients, maybe there is some help for her at the stage she is in,...if she has some kind of dementia. Hope you find your answer.

    - Cathy

  • November 11, 2011 6:21 p.m.

    Um did the author of this article ever define ALZHEIMERS DISEASE? I don't think so.

    - Terri

  • November 7, 2011 5:18 p.m.

    My mother has early onset dementia (we are assuming Alzheimers) and it has started to progress rapidly just over the last few months after 7 years of very slow progression. SHe is already beyond the care we can provide her at home and needs assisted living. But since she is only 69 and in excellent physical health, she does not fit into ANY of the assisted living settings we have visited. She can run circles around me and is constantly bored. Does anyone know of a memory care assisted living facility that caters to younger patients???? Please help!!

    - Hilary

  • November 1, 2011 2:23 p.m.

    Can you tell me if there are various kinds of alzheimer's. Not quite sure if my husband has dememtia or early alzheimers, but all he seems to want is sex. He is 84 years old. I can't stand him asking all the time.

    - Shirley

  • October 27, 2011 7:46 p.m.

    Caregivers - please, please, please get involved in a caregiver's group. The one I attend in Huntington Beach, CA, usually meets first Sat of each month, and your loved one with memory impairment can attend their group (no cost to either)...Called Care Connections, it is at 2 locations - one at Grace Lutheran Church, Edinger Avenue...I'm not sure of the other, but please find a group!

    - Mia

  • October 25, 2011 6:47 a.m.

    I just found out that my mom has dementia, to her to the doctors, and she does have AD. My wife is a nurse, and I notice several weeks ago that she was repeating herself a lot in her conversation. I live in PA, she lives in DC, so I sent my wife down their, she put her on exercise, and is juicing vegetables, fixing healthy smoothies, taking her off of all meat and meat products. My mom has made a 80% turn around, she is not falling asleep, after she eats, she is not rambling her thoughts, she has lost weight, all of her friends are amazed. I do not want my mom to take any drugs, they have to many side affects. I just want to thank my wife and the Lord for helping me to deal with this situation!

    - Russell

  • October 17, 2011 12:38 p.m.

    My mother has dementia. It is very hard to see you parent not remember and forget that she does not have on the right shoes or dress. It is an eye opening experience, but all in all, it could be something worse. But as long as I have control of her physically and financially she will always get the best care. P.S. Any valuables should be locked away.

    - Diane

  • October 17, 2011 11:10 a.m.

    My sister passed away when she turned 85....she started having forgetful periods about 2 years prior to that..One of the things that seemed to enhance her frgetfulness was her very poor diet which she just would not accept when we tried to get her to eat healthier. She seemed to get dramatically worse once she moved near us and we finally had her admitted to an acute care facility. From there her ride was like being pushed down a steep hill and the dimentia progressed on a daily basis. It was so sad and the feeling I had was so helpless because it was hard to accept an extremely intelligent woman was more and more incoherent. She started halucinating and my husband suggested that I just become a part of her "movie" that she was living inside her head. Once I did this, it was so much easier on me and my anger went away as I finally realized nothing I could say or do was going to reverse the process her brain was going thru. She never came out of the hospital and went from acute care to skilled care back and forth for about 10 weeks until her body and mind finally gave up and let her pass over for the ultimate peace. The advice my husband gave me is something caregivers may want to consider....it helped me so much in caring for my sister instead of being frustrated and angry that I could not bring her back to the person she once had been.

    - sandra

  • October 7, 2011 3:22 a.m.

    I have become the primary caregiver to my nearest and dearest friend and neighbor. Our time together is always in the moment and quickly forgotten, or living in the past. She's forgetting simple, common words now. Her weight is dropping because she forgets to eat so I'm now trying to cook for the both of us. She trusts me completely though now she often doesn't remember me. I watch for (and see) continuing decline, but she's 73 and extremely physically fit from a lifetime of sports. Her home is immaculate and daily she showers and puts on make-up. She's gorgeous and looks like she's 50. To keep her active she and I work in our yards together - she can outwork me, though I'm 20 years younger. She has two daughters - one who lives several hours away, and the other one has cancer, and both are in denial of how bad she has become. Can anyone tell me how do you know when someone with dementia can no longer stay alone? Her newest manifestation is occasional outbursts of rage directed toward me. I can easily calm her down, but see it as another decline and symptom of her illness.

    - Debbie

  • October 3, 2011 6:08 p.m.

    SINCE MY MOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA I DID NOT BOTHER ABOUT THIS CONDITION AS I KNEW VERY LITTLE OR RATHER NOTHING ABOUT. IT ALL HAPPENED THREE YEARS AGO WHEN SHE FELL DOWN THE STAIRS AND STARTED TO BE CONFUSED AND FIND DIFFICULTY TO EXPRESS HERSELF. IT IS VERY SAD FOR ANYONE WITH THIS CONDITION AND VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE CAREGIVERS TO SEE YOUR LOVED ONES IN SUCH A STATE. HOPE THAT MORE EFFORTS WILL BE MADE IN RESEARCH TO FIND A WAY TO CURE THIS CONDITION. FOR THE LAST WEEK I HAVE WATCHED A PATIENT DIEING WITH THIS CONDITION A IT IS TERRIBLE. GOD BLESS THE NURSES AND GRANT PACIENCE TO THE VICTIMS.

    - MARIO

  • October 2, 2011 11:43 a.m.

    There are days I can handle just about everything with my husband. Then there are days that are so bad that I can't stand it and get upset with everything. Those days I can't stand being in the same room with myself. At the end of those days I cry myself to sleep. Iknow he can't help himself and I know he doesn't want to be like this. I don't think I get mad at him I think I get mad at the disease. My Mother, my Mother-in-law both had Alzheimer's. Now my sister is the late stages of it and Hospice has taken over. I'm losing everyone I love to this awful disease.

    - Barbara

  • September 13, 2011 8:17 p.m.

    When you have a loved one with dementia, take a deep breath, and try to be calm. Remember, the things that your loved one does or says is very real for them. People with dementia feel like they are in a different world. And inside of their own heads, they are. Be patient and make sure they take their medications. Many people quit taking their medications, once they start remembering who they are and where they are. If they quit the medications, soon they are right back where they started. Aricept is what brought my loved one back, but it's still touch and go with reality at times. Just remember that although you loved one may act differently, they are still in there somewhere.

    - Eileen

  • September 12, 2011 9:59 p.m.

    I see from your literature, that DOMENTIA or Alzheimer's is partly caused from a lack of staying ACTIVE! Am I right? If that i the case, tat is why MY WIFE is developing one or the other! Now EDFAST, here at HOME again!

    - Herbert

  • September 6, 2011 4:09 p.m.

    My mother had Altzheimers and spent 13 years in a nursing home. My sister just one year older than me is now in a nursing home at 72. I now am having dementia and some times I forget names of people that have been friends for years. I give horse clinics and I'm begining to stumble my words and loose what I was talking about. I am the caregiver for my wife who had a heart attack and then a stroke and I sometimes forget when to give her meds at the right time, luckily she helps me remember. Does any one know anything to help my dementia?

    - Dale

  • August 24, 2011 1:16 a.m.

    I just posted 2 posts for Aug 24,2011. Please read my second post first.My name is Elaine and is posted Elaine. Again please read my second post first...since I could only post so many words. I pray this horrible,heart-breaking injustice never happens to another living, breathing human being that tried so hard to live even when she was putting him to death. But her evil was too strong. She can no longer make him suffer anymore, You don't have to go thru her HELL anymore..I LOve You DAD....

    - Elaine

  • August 24, 2011 12:40 a.m.

    To finish my post,Yes he finally died, but by her greedy hands. She picked the day he was to die. My dad died before his time. If she had allowed me to continue to take care of him he will still be alive today. He was so isolated so lonely, he prayed for the Lord to go ahead and take him..My dad was 84. But he was still sharp in his mind. He just couldn't walk. His Dr said his Dementia was very mild. He could carry on a conversation as good a normal person. I called him everyday. I visited when I could, but due to my health problems with my legs, the 3 hour drive was a little too much for me.I was always sending him big boxes of cakes, candy clothes, and corn flakes, which he loved. I talked to him many times after his wife had called and upset him to the point he was crying. And I would calm him down. She was so evil to him it was horrible. And I couldn't do anything. I was threatened by her if I took him out she said she would have me put in jail. And the other half of the family threatened to hurt me. They were so greedy and so afraid he would give me something they did anything they could to keep me from him. I never wanted anything from him. I just wanted him to want to live!! When members of the family are so evil and so greedy they think everyone's heart is the same. I love you dad and I always will. My heart cries for you everyday. I live everyday knowing how much you suffered. May GOD have mercy on their souls. I love you Dad, Always.....

    - Elaine

  • August 24, 2011 12:03 a.m.

    Why has no one talked about demented spouses offing their husbands for financial purposes??? Yes with a stroke of a pen he intrusted the one person he loved with all his heart, to make the right decisions on his last year and half of his life. And half of his children went along with her. Why? Because if they went against her they were afraid she would not leave them anything. To put it plain and simple; they loved,including his so called "Loving Wife", what the man was worth more than they "Loved Him". So she put him down like a "DOG". And half of his children are keeping their mouths shut so they can get their share. NOT ME, she nor the rest of them will never buy my silence..I loved my dad with all my heart. And all I wanted was for him to want to live. I have since been cast out of my family. I refused any of her gifts to silence me. What they did was wrong, inhumane, immoral.And most of allthey broke my heart into a thousand pieces. I will never get over this. I live everyday remebering all the suffering she put him thru,all the tears he cried, all the times he begged her to let him just come home for a few days. But just like me, she cast him out of his own home.And Isolated him from the 2 children that truly loved him.I was his "Caregiver".She saw how close we were and cast me out of the family, never to bring him home again. Greed, Greed, Greed, She left him at the VA isolated, for 7 months ,hoping he would die. Yes he finally d

    - Elaine

  • August 21, 2011 12:45 a.m.

    my husband had early onset of severe alzheimers at the age of 38 he was not diagnosed for almost 14 years this was in 1984-1997 it was a nightmare I faced each stage mostly alone except for support from my family I done research on the family and found out this type was heridatary very rare at that age A doctor from Michigan flew to my home town and done blood work on the family members that wanted to know if they carried the gene and could pass it on to their childern this disease is still being passed on because the family is in denial It was a nightmare because little was known about this desease in 1984 I feel for any family going through this but there is support now take all support you can get and take a break

    - barbara

  • August 9, 2011 10:22 p.m.

    I think my brother had Altzheimer's or dementia, however, I do no have his medical records and he died July 12th of 2011. He was cremated. Can his medical records be requested by my attorney so that I can know if I will possibly get Atzheimers? If he was being treated with Altzheimers medication does that prove he actually had Altzheimers or dimentia without a brain scan? Thank you.

    - Rena B Schmidt

  • August 2, 2011 11:52 a.m.

    Is there a certain age, when either of these conditions occur? Does it have to be past the age of 55 or younger?

    - Bev

  • July 18, 2011 10:13 a.m.

    May husband was dx with Dementia in March, 2010. However, more recently he has outburst and his fuse seems to be very short. He also is drinking hard liquor every day. Sometimes 1 - 3 drinks between 3 - 6 PM. How will this affect him as well. he had to go off of the Aricept as it was making him very verbally abusive as well as physical affects. He also works out 3 days a week and still rides his bike and drives. Most people do not know there is anything wrong with him unless they really know him. However, he does come off with some interesting things once in a while and people will give him a werid look. How does his drinking affect him taking Namenda and his mood swings?

    - Barbara

  • July 14, 2011 9:27 a.m.

    My mom (72) is just beginning the testing to determine the cause of her MCI (mild cognitive impairment). Her mother had Alzheimer's and I think she has just been waiting for "her turn" to get it. She was started on Aricept even before the cause has yet been determined. Can anyone give any suggestions for what to expect in the preliminary testing?

    - Lmarie

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