How To Know It’s Dementia?
FREE Dementia Checklist Printable
Please check on your elders
Today at Walmart I saw an elderly woman being escorted outside by an employee. At first, I saw her legs and thought she had on a men’s blazer and some shorts. Then I took a second look and she had nothing on but the blazer and a pair of depends underwear.
I wondered if:
the woman has dementia problems and left home not properly dressed.
she went into the restroom confused as to where she was and took her clothes off.
she had had a poop-sident because she had a balled-up bunch of clothes in her arms.
My heart sank all I could do was pray for this elderly lady. She is someone’s mother, someone’s grandmother, and maybe someone’s great-grandmother. First I thanked God for my life, my health, and my mind, and asked that I never lose my train of thought and wander around like this elderly woman. I began to wonder where was her family that she was out there alone? Not judging her family because I don’t know their circumstances.
Then I began to think about myself. I am about to be 70 and don’t have family nearby except my husband. And all the things I have taken for granted. I wrote this to remind you who still have loving parents, grandparents, & so on nearby, please check on them that they are ok and safe. Watch out for the small ‘odd’ or ‘funny’ things they do.
I have wondered if that elderly woman found her way home safely.
I pray that God keeps His angels around her safe from harm. I pray God keeps me and my husband safe and keeps our minds and body healthy. I thank my family who call and check on us daily although they live in different states. They check on us.
Please check on your elders.
*This story was modified for clarity & came from a public Dementia support group.
What is Dementia?
A group of thinking and social symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
Not a specific disease
Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment.
Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking ability impairment that interferes with daily functioning.
Medications and therapies may help manage symptoms. Some causes are reversible.
Dementia: A condition characterized by progressive or persistent loss of intellectual functioning, especially with impairment of memory and abstract thinking, and often with personality change, resulting from organic disease of the brain.
How Common is Dementia?
More than 3 million US cases per year
Treatment can help, but this condition can not be cured.
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging are often necessary.
For informational purposes only. Please talk with your loved one’s local medical authority for advice.
Sources: Mayo Clinic
What is Alzheimer’s?
A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions. Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms. No cure exists, but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.
Definition: Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
Source: National Institute of Health
Featured products
Dementia vs Alzheimer’s
Dementia and Alzheimer's are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts. Understanding the distinction can help clarify diagnoses, treatment options, and expectations for individuals and their families.
Dementia Defined
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease, but rather a syndrome caused by various diseases and conditions.
Key Characteristics of Dementia:
Symptoms: Memory loss, difficulties with problem-solving, impaired language skills, and changes in mood or behavior.
Causes: Multiple conditions can cause dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and others.
Progression: The progression can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause.
Reversibility: Some forms of dementia, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems, can be reversible with appropriate treatment.
Alzheimer’s Defined
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. It is a specific neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual deterioration of brain cells.
Key Characteristics of Alzheimer's Disease:
Symptoms: Early signs include memory loss and confusion, progressing to more severe impairments such as difficulty with speech, understanding, and completing familiar tasks.
Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but it involves the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to cell damage and brain atrophy.
Progression: Alzheimer's disease typically follows a slow, progressive course, worsening over time.
Irreversibility: Currently, Alzheimer's is irreversible and incurable, though treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Comparing Dementia vs Alzheimer's
Here's a quick comparison to highlight their differences:
Definition: General term for symptoms affecting mental function vs Specific neurodegenerative disease
Causes: Various conditions (Alzheimer's, vascular issues, etc.) Unknown; involves plaques and tangles
Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, mood changes, etc. Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with tasks
Progression: Varies by cause Gradual and progressive
Reversibility: Some forms can be reversible Irreversible
Treatment: Depends on the cause symptom management Symptom management and slowing progression
AspectDementiaAlzheimer's DiseaseDefinitionGeneral term for symptoms affecting mental functionSpecific neurodegenerative diseaseCausesVarious conditions (Alzheimer's, vascular issues, etc.)Unknown; involves plaques and tanglesSymptomsMemory loss, confusion, mood changes, etc.Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with tasksProgressionVaries by cause Gradual and progressiveReversibilitySome forms can be reversibleIrreversibleTreatmentDepends on the cause; symptom managementSymptom management and slowing
Dementia Causes
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.
Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a
Featured blog posts
