What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
If you’re wondering ‘is Alzheimer’s the same as dementia’ then hopefully this article will help to answer some of your questions. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are terms that are used interchangeably, often to refer to the same thing, but they are different.
The Alzheimer’s Society describes the differences as “Dementia…can be caused by several different diseases that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.”
Therefore, Alzheimer’s disease is just one of many diseases that can cause damage to the brain and display as a range of dementia symptoms. Other diseases that cause dementia symptoms include Lewy Body disease and vascular disease, which eventually become Lewy Body dementia and vascular dementia.
What is dementia?
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, “Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain.” Dementia is often described as an “umbrella” term for a variety of conditions and diseases that cause cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is progressive, which means that while symptoms may begin mildly, they will get worse over time. Dementia symptoms include:
Memory loss
Confusion and needing help with daily tasks
Problems with language and understanding
Changes in behaviour
What Causes Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, with about two-thirds of people living with dementia in the UK having Alzheimer’s. There are complex reasons why Alzheimer’s develops, but, as the Alzheimer’s Society tells us, “one key part is the build-up of two substances inside the brain called amyloid and tau. When conditions in the brain aren’t right, these clump up and form tiny structures called plaques and tangles.” These plaques and tangles make it harder for the brain to work as it should and, over time, cause certain parts of the brain to ‘shrink’ and stop working. This is because essential nutrients can’t reach the brain cells, and important chemicals that are used to send messages around the brain can’t get through.
What Support is Available for Alzheimer's?
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it doesn’t mean the prognosis is bleak after diagnosis. Many people go on to live well with Alzheimer’s for quite some time, and there are treatments available that can help to slow down the symptoms in certain cases. There are four medications approved in the UK to support people living with dementia symptoms: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine. The Alzheimer’s Society tells us that these treatments “are only effective for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and mixed dementia involving any of these types.”
Therapies and treatments that may be beneficial to someone living with Alzheimer’s include:
Dementia medication
While often helpful, medications are not the only source of hope. Advice, activities, useful information and social support are just as necessary so that someone living with dementia can live well.
GP support
If you’re living with dementia, your GP will want to see you at least once a year for a review. However, if you or your loved ones are concerned about your health, you should contact the practice for advice, treatment and support from healthcare staff.
Alternative therapies
Massage, the use of aromatherapy oils, or TENS. While no clinical benefits have yet been conclusively proven, there are suggestions that TENS “may produce short-lived improvement in some of the cognitive aspects of dementia.”
Person-centred care
Person-centred care makes a difference because it takes into account the person’s preferences, routines, and lifestyle. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially when they’re living with dementia.
How to Care For Someone With Alzheimer's
“Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging and stressful. But with the right support, it can be rewarding and often satisfying,” says the NHS. However, if you’re caring for a loved one living with dementia, it’s important to remember that you need to be supported too. Asking the local authority for a needs assessment or carer’s assessment should be the first thing to do as it will ensure that all the support the person is entitled to can be put in place, as well as making sure the family carers are supported as well.
As dementia progresses, the best way to support someone is to ‘get into their world’. By trying to see why they are behaving in a certain way, we have the best chance of understanding what they need or what is distressing them, whether at home or out in the local community. Utilising local support groups is also a great way of getting help and advice from people who understand.
Alzheimer’s Care at Helping Hands
We’ve been providing exceptional dementia care since we were established in 1989, so it’s no surprise we’re the country’s most trusted home care provider. Our carers specialise in person-centred support that focuses on living well, whether that’s help with eating and drinking, using the toilet, or washing and bathing. We focus on helping you to remain living as independently as possible in the home you love because everyone who wants to stay in their precious home to receive care should be able to.
We’ll focus on your daily routines and the interests you’ve always enjoyed to devise a personalised plan of care that will ensure you have all the practical and emotional support you need. Remaining in a familiar environment can reduce symptoms of confusion and anxiety, and having care delivered by a regular small team of carers will also help you feel more comfortable. Our dementia care is available on a visiting or live-in care basis to provide full support or to complement family carers.
