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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

  • July 14, 2010 2:46 p.m.

    Stop the brain drain! Is it reasonable to assume that short-term memory loss of answers to the standard 12x12 multiiplication tables could indicate the early onset of Alzheimer's disease? While short-term memory loss is symtomatic of dimentia and hard to quantify, changes in recall time of the full set of answers to the 12x12 tables is easily measured, recorded, and tracked over time. Medical researchers would, I think, be particularly interested in time spans from adolescense to late-in-life at yearly intervals. Trials could be administered online, archived and retreived at will for comparison. The costs of data acquisition, left to the medical community would likely be prohibitive. If costs were shared by a 'community-at-large' (with guidance only from the medical community) needing to monitor such changes, or alternatively to develop multiplication skills for school-aged children throughout the nation, then all would benefit from such a service. Anyone interested in supporting this effort should comment. Thanks, and keep your hopes up. Positive changes will come!

    - Don

  • July 13, 2010 7:58 p.m.

    It really is a comfort to read the stories of others daling with a loved one that has been stricken with AD. My Dad is 82, and has slowly been changing and declining latley. But luckily for us (his family) he maintains a wonderful sense of humor. we still laugh out loud with him when he jumbles up his words, and I stress that we laugh with him, he's actually aware of the mix-ups, and he laughs his head off!! One day at a time is the best way to deal with this. We miss him so much, and every so often we get a glimpse of him again--it's so sweet when that happens. It helps to know that others get through this as well. Good luck to you all.

    - Suzanne

  • July 12, 2010 3:28 p.m.

    My mother has Alzheimers for 15 years before she died. It was a slow progression, with misplacement of personal possessions one of the first things we noticed, to memory loss, forgetting how to do simple things and even what things were for. We tried to take care of her at home for a few years splitting up the time among 5 children. We then sent her home with oldest child who was her caregiver for a few years. That became an impossible situation after about 2 years. We finally had to put her in a full-time care facility. She was there about 10 years. The last two being bedridden and in a fixed fetal position until someone came and moved her. She was dependent on someone for her every action - feeding, bathing, clothing, moving. It was a blessing for her and us when she finally passed at 89. We miss her greatly but know that she is far better off gone than in the state she was in. I worry each day that I will get Alzheimers. I have high blood pressure and high colesterol (both controlled with medicine) and have 4 brothers and sisters that have some or both of the above plus they are all diabetic and some or all of the above could cause alzheimers.

    - Rebecca

  • July 11, 2010 8:51 a.m.

    My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at age 59, 13 years before his death from melanoma. The AD diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy at Emory University Alzheimer's Research. I was very angry this spring when I saw on Dr. Oz that one could prevent AD by playing ping pong. What allows this man to get by with purporting such incorrect information?

    - Elizabeth

  • July 7, 2010 10:03 a.m.

    My mother had to go into a nursing home when she was only 69. She was in there until she died at 81. If I should get alzheimers, I will shoot myself in the head.

    - Lee

  • July 6, 2010 5:37 p.m.

    I have yet to access my Mom's actual medical records to uncover what her doctors were thinking, but I remember that her GP decided vascular dementia on evaluating her past history and her geriatric doc went with medication for AD. Mom's behaviours were not consistent with AD, but the meds seemed to help, anyway. Considering the harsh life Mom had led and surgery on a blood clot, it wasn't surprising that she was susceptible to dizzy spells and black outs, but there was more to it than that. Sadly, Mom toughed it out for 29 yrs on her own after my Dad died, until I began to discover her problems and had to find a way to look out for her in a more protected atmosphere. A move to a house with 2 apartments seemed like a workable situation, but as Mom's mobility problems got worse, so did her emotional ones. She missed her husband, her former active life when she was younger, her country home, my 2 brothers/her grandchildren, and she really resented getting old! It was very sad to face her diminishing abilities and even worse to have to watch her mind go off in all directions, paranoid and protective about her illusions and desire to get attention any way she could. Yes, AD and even the various forms and reasons for dementia are all different from person to person. In order to care for her, I had to remember the person she had been and understand how frustrated she had become in her aging, feeling neglected and insecure about the attention that she needed from others.

    - Rhonnda

  • July 5, 2010 12:37 p.m.

    My parents are both 90 years old. Dad has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and is understandably anxious about his muddled perceptions. Mum is an invalid and is looked after by my Dad, me and carers who go into the house to assist Mum with washing and dressing. Mum berates dad for forgetting things or getting muddled and I often feel like a referee rather than a daughter. Whilst I am not celebrating other peoples misfortune,for me it is a comfort to read that you are not alone in attempting to do your best for your parents whilst battling with practicalities,difficulties and downright angst My poor dad is not going to improve and my Mum is not going to turn into Mary Poppins so we stagger on in an unhappy state of uncertainty. Losing ones grip on the real world must be horrible for the sufferer and my heart goes out to everyone in that situation and all those that try to do the best for them. No-one tells you when you are a young person how life might be and probaly just as well.

    - Diane

  • July 2, 2010 6:16 a.m.

    I provide in home care for the elderly, and last year I took care of a wonderful woman I will call Mary. She was completely independent, no signs of memory loss, driving, living in her own apartment. She was hospitalized with pneumonia, and then suffered a month long bout of diahrea from the antibiotics. At that time the doc prescribed several new meds for her, one of the Digoxin, which warns it can cause confusion. She went into a rehab facility to recover her strength. The other residents were delighted with her quit wit and open personality. Then one morning she woke up and thought she was in a debtor's prison in Europe. She still recognized everyone (even me, who she had not seen for over a year) but she was terribly confused about surroundings, hallucinating and delusional. They finally diagnosed delerium. They never pinpointed the actual cause: the illness, the change of surroundings, changes in her meds. Whatever the cause, dear Mary never came out of it. I cared for her in her home for a year and a half until her death. We will never know if the meds did it, but please be careful when docs prescribe new meds for you or you loved ones! Don't be afraid to ask questions and more questions! Good doctors are more than willing to listen and consider your opinions.

    - Melody

  • June 28, 2010 1:23 a.m.

    my aunt has developed Alzheimer's type senile dementia due to prolonged use of sleeping pills and anti anxiety pills, for the past 15 years or so,friends beware , if anyone at ur home takes anti anxiety pills, don't let them take it forever, it is supposed to be only a short term therapy, but doctors are causing more harm than good by prescribing these drugs, patient's get hooked on to it like drug addicts and then gradually the brain tissue gets degenerated resulting in dementia/Alzheimer's/Parkinson's.stay away from these medicines like alprax, oleanz, clotas, valium , ativan.these are poison's for the brain.

    - aparna

  • June 24, 2010 12:48 p.m.

    I'm 67 and have a life-long friend that is becoming very angry and just lashed out at me for no reason at a picnic Memorial weekend. We're used to discussing things but now things have changed. I need help with being the best friend I can and still maintain my sanity. She won't see a doctor and her kids and I have compared notes. Shouldn't someone try and get her to see a doctor? Is this diseas hereditary because her mother & brother died from this disease?

    - Nancy

  • June 17, 2010 9:47 p.m.

    My heart goes out to you all. I need suggestions on how to cope. My whole world revolves around this. Small family get together are trying and not fun anymore. This is affecting my performance at work. It is affecting my health. I just can't lock my dad up in a nursing home. He still knows what is going on around him and he will feel like I'm trying to get rid of him. I'm on a waiting list of some in home care. Right now he has my mom, but she is elderly also. This is breaking her heart to see her husband like this, they have been together for more than 60 years.

    - Della

  • June 17, 2010 11:46 a.m.

    My mother-in-law was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer's several years ago, and up until a month ago, was being cared for by her husband of 60+ years. On May 10, he passed away. My husband (their son) and his brother have had to make some rather quick decisions regarding her care and chose to move her to our home town to a facility specifically designed to care for those with memory related diseases. On May 16th, she was admitted to this facility. At that time, she was able to walk, talk, and feed herself, but was experiencing hostility and agitation directed at caregiviers. Several different medications have been tried, but as of 2 weeks ago, she was moved to a hospital for testing and more evaluation. In just a few short weeks, her condition has vastly deteriorated, and the doctors have suggested hospice care. Is this rapid decline normal? Or should we be concerned that something just isn't right with either the meds she is taking or those currently in charge of her care. We are confused and concerned.

    - Pat

  • June 9, 2010 1:23 p.m.

    I'm coping by seeking out as much info as I can find to keep me ahead of the curve. I need to know what might be coming and how others managed their loved one when things began to go south. Above all, I don't want my mom to feel like she is being punished or taken advantage of. My hope is to keep her feeling secure knowing that I'm looking out for her. But I know things don't always turn out the way we want.

    - chick

  • June 6, 2010 10:01 a.m.

    My husband, age 75, with vascular dementia has been talking throughout the night and this morning to people he has not seen or talked to in over 20 years and is talking to me about something that we need to repair that he cannot do. This is new behavior from him as he sleeps most of the time and doesn't talk much when he is awake. Something new is going on with him that I have not experienced before. What could be going on with him? Yesterday afternoon he had what seemed to be a "blood sugar drop" when he became very weak and clammy for a short time but recovered shortly afterward. Could that have been a mini stroke that would cause this change in behavior?

    - Anie

  • June 5, 2010 6:45 p.m.

    My mother will be 82 yoa the 2nd of Aug. & has been diagnoised with frontotemporal dementia & parkinson just in the last month. She remarried 11 years ago and we have only been able to see her 1 to 3 times a year due to their decision to live & travel in their motor home when they were married. I've been seeing signs coming on for about the last 2 years. But was only able to convince Mom and her husband that something was going on & she needed to be seen by her Doctor. Since May 11th when she did see her doctor & has been following up with blood work & testing; they've purchased a house, selling their motor home, & settling an hour drive away from any of us kids. They will be living where My step-dad, & his family will have the primary care for my mother & it concerns me. My Step-father is 85 years old & says he's going to take care of her. I don't think he realizes the multitude of responsibility the word "care" means with Mom's condition. It's getting close that she will not be able to be left alone. When does a daughter step up & do what needs to be done? And does power of attorney need to be considered? My mother has always been in control & very independent. This is hard for her to accept. She doesn't think anything is wrong. It's hard for my step-dad to realize the woman he married is going & it's soo noticable..

    - June

  • June 5, 2010 10:59 a.m.

    Can you tell me more about Pitt's Disease? There's no separate description on the Mayo website. I believe it's a form frontotemporal dementia. Thank you.

    - David

  • May 25, 2010 2:44 p.m.

    Hello Angela, Hello to all who have posted. I too have a loved one with vascular dementia. We had to put him in assited living, and yes, they are not perfect but it helps. I visit my dad everyday and I do his laundry. HE was a principal of a middle school, and I want to make sure that he still looks the part. He thinks he works at the facility and it has been good for him. I see what the dementia has done to my dad and it is frightening BUT there is a plus side to it. My dad and I have never been as close as we are now. He thinks I am his sister, he is always happy, he has a healthy appetite and he can be fun to be with. I do not know how long this character will last, but I hope it stays for a long time. He hallicinates, thinks that people steal from him, I just let him know that I will take care of any situation that arises. I do not argue with him, correct him, I just go with the flow and it seems to help. I do miss my old dad though and it scares me to think what lies ahead as the disease develops. God bless all of you that have to deal with this. syl

    - syl

  • May 19, 2010 10:15 p.m.

    My Dad has the beginning stages of dementia. He is healthy otherwise, heart, lungs, walks regularly. Never smoked or drank. Never overweight. My parents still live in their own home. The medications don't really help much. I would like to how you find the strength to deal with this on a day to day basis. When I visit them for the day, I am exhausted just from listening to my Dad. Sometimes I'm glad I can just go home, but feel guilty that my Mom is dealing with this 24/7. If he's not telling you the same story, he is accusing someone of stealing from him just because he can't find something. You can't tell him he is wrong because he becomes angry. He is constantly talking, sometimes he goes off into another subject totally unrelated to the topic at hand. He has bad dreams that when he is awake he believes they really happened. He physically kicked my Mom out of bad while asleep. He dreamt a burglar was in the house. How does the caregiver not become depressed? I know the only way this is going to end is with his death.

    - Della

  • May 17, 2010 2:38 p.m.

    Just saw my sister over the week-end and her actions and behavior have changed and I am wondering if it could be the onset of dementia...her writing is almost unreadable, she is not organized, she was not able to complete fixing meals, she was not outgoing or "bubbly" as she usually is, when she drove she was all over the road (almost like she had been drinking but she had not), her hair was fixed differently. Are any of these "signs" that she should be tested, or that I should tell my brother-in-law?

    - Kristy

  • April 27, 2010 10:45 p.m.

    Hilary, No surprise there, these are typical signs of dementia. They go in and out of lucidity and can become quite outspoken and mean at times. OUCH. Know you are NOT alone. One moment at a time shoud be your mantra. Be present with unconditional love. For alllllllllllllllllll care givers COMPASSION is the magical word! Take care of yourself as well!

    - Natasha

  • April 27, 2010 10:27 p.m.

    Robert, Bless your soul! You are a saint. It is obvious your wife has some form of dementia. She is fortunate to have you. Just go with the flow and take care of yourself as well!

    - Natasha

  • April 27, 2010 10:24 p.m.

    Cheyenne, Yes, age, genetics, perhaps a sendentary lifestyle. Age is a huge factor. There are drugs out there to slow the process. Speak with her physician. See a neurologist. All the best, this isn't easy. You are obviously a caring soul.

    - Natasha

  • April 27, 2010 10:18 p.m.

    Mary, I am very impressed, 83 and on line asking intelligible questions, wow!!! You are obviously in the very early stages of dementia. You can go on for a VERY LONG time with a very blessed life!!! You rock, Mary!

    - Natasha

  • April 27, 2010 9:13 p.m.

    Cat, Those with dementia do not think as we think. In the early stages they have an idea that something isn't quite right and then that reality slips away as the cognitive process diminishes. A very sad and painful reality for all caregivers/family members. Trust, life and death are two sides of the same coin, you cannot have one without the other. We came from formlessness to form with God's love. All we can do is embrace this love without fear.

    - Natasha

  • April 27, 2010 9:06 p.m.

    Lynn, Have you tried to entertain your wife with music, a movie, crossword puzzle, cards, books on tape? What were her interests before her decline? All the best to you!

    - Natasha

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