Three things to know about dementia

The number one question I am asked by families is what’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dementia is a broad word, and often times it is used in a generalized matter, that at times get us very confused! I thought we could dive deep into what dementia is and what it isn’t.

Here are three things to know about dementia.

Let’s start with a description from the Alzheimer’s Association, “Dementia is not a single disease; it’s an overall term — like heart disease — that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.” Wait - dementia is not a disease. Yep! That’s one reason we don’t capitalize it in the middle of a sentence.

1. Dementia is actually a cluster of symptoms. Online you might have found a picture of an umbrella to describe it. I still find that confusing. I learned to think of it in terms of having a fever because of the flu. The FLU = Alzheimer’s Disease. The fever = dementia. The disease causes the symptom of dementia. To write that another way, the fever is a symptom of the Flu. Dementia is a symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease.

2. Dementia is not solely memory loss. It can help to think of it as reasoning, rationalizing and remembering, the 3 R’s. If I’m living with dementia, I might be forgetful, and I also might appear irrational at times. I might believe things that aren’t necessarily there or have happened. If you’re finding this is happening a lot to your Loved One living with dementia and it’s negatively impacting their quality of life, it might be time to call your doctor.

3. Life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. There CAN still be enjoyment in both of your lives. Find moments where you see pleasure, focus or drive in the person living with dementia and try to continue those types of activities. This could be simple coloring, listening to music or having discussions about the past.

To sum up our post:

Dementia is not a disease
Dementia affects a person’s ability to remember, reason and rationalize
There can still be joy after a diagnosis

If you’re looking to add some creative joy to your Loved One’s life, our Art Therapists at Home can help. Head on over to our main page to see how we can help!