Alzheimer's vs Dementia: What's the Difference?

Article Highlights

Dementia is a term that describes a collection of cognitive, functional and behavioural symptoms caused by specific diseases.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia.
Lewy body disease, Frontotemporal degeneration and vascular dementia can also cause dementia.
Trained and experienced Just Better Care Support Workers can provide in-home support to people living with dementia.

If you’re confused about the link between Alzheimer’s and dementia, you’re not alone. We explain how they’re connected and what in-home support is available for people living with these conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia – a condition that impacts brain function.

446,000+

Australians estimated to be living with dementia – expected to double to over one million by 2065

Just Better Care Support Workers provide support for hundreds people living with dementia so they can remain at home.

“Dementia is a growing health and aged care issue in Australia, and we are seeing an increasing demand for people needing support to help with daily living needs at home as the condition progresses.”
— Gemma Scales, Clinical Services Manager, Just Better Care Australia

What is dementia

As defined by Dementia Australia, dementia is a term that describes the common cognitive, functional and behavioural symptoms of different diseases.

While the risk of developing dementia increases with age, dementia is not a normal part of the ageing process. It can also occur in people under 65 (known as younger onset dementia) and in children (childhood dementia).

What is Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease and is responsible for around 70 per cent of dementia cases.

The disease disrupts how neurons interact, causing abnormal protein build-ups in the brain that slowly damage brain cells, eventually affecting memory, function and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

This physical condition results in the gradual deterioration of someone’s cognitive abilities, leading to impaired thinking, behaviour and loss of memory. It often begins with people forgetting recent events or conversations.

What are other types of dementia?

Lewy body disease

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common form of dementia and there are two forms: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia.

Both are caused by tiny tangles of protein called alpha-synuclein – known as Lewy bodies – which build up inside brain cells and cause damage that affects movement, thinking and behaviour.

Lewy body dementia causes a gradual decline in mental abilities over time, with many people also experiencing Parkinson’s-like symptoms such as rigid muscles, slow movement, tremors and trouble walking.

Frontotemporal degeneration

Affecting people between 45 and 65, frontotemporal dementia is a brain condition that causes progressive damage to either or both the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain – areas associated with personality, behaviour and language.

There are four types:

Behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia
Primary progressive aphasia
Semantic dementia
Progressive non-fluent aphasia.

Symptoms vary depending on the type, but some people may experience changes in their personality like being more impulsive or finding it hard to understand language.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by damage from restricted blood flow in your brain – like after a stroke. The condition impacts daily living through people being confused, having memory issues, depression, and an unsteady walk or poor balance.

Vascular dementia can happen to anyone and is difficult to diagnose because it often occurs alongside other dementias, like Alzheimer’s disease.

What causes dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, as well as age, genetics and family history can all be risk factors, while the following can help reduce the likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer’s:

Having high levels of education
Being physically active
Being socially engaged
Cognitive activity
Not smoking
Being a healthy weight
Reducing alcohol consumption.

There is no cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s but there are ways people can maintain their independence and quality of life at home, including with the assistance of an in-home Support Worker.

What happens when you have dementia?

For someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, their symptoms will get stronger over time. As it can be caused by different conditions, everyone’s experience of the disease will be different. Most commonly, dementia can impact:

Memory

You might find it harder to remember recent events, names of things and people. It might also get harder to make new memories.

Thinking

You might get confused, have trouble concentrating, planning and problem-solving, struggle to complete everyday tasks, find it hard to think of the right word or express yourself, and find it hard to judge distances, directions and time.

Mood

You might find yourself feeling less motivated and social, more prone to depression, anxiety and agitation, or otherwise not yourself.

Behaviour

You might start saying or doing things that are out of character for you. You might become restless, wander around, and have more disturbed sleep.

What support do people living with dementia need?

1.7 million

people are involved in the care of Australians with dementia, with two in three thought to be living in the community rather than in residential aged care

According to Dementia Australia, more support will be needed to assist people with daily living so they can stay at home longer and be independent.

Just Better Care customers and their families tell us that for people living with dementia and their families, receiving support at home can be very beneficial.

Familiar settings and routines can reduce the confusion, anxiety, fear, and stress experienced by persons living with dementia. These feelings can sometimes result in disruptive behaviour and create further stress for all.

Just Better Care works alongside customers and families living with dementia to shape support around individual routines, preferences and goals, helping support services to fit naturally into daily life.

In-home support for people living with dementia

Having daily or regular visits from a Support Worker can help people stay independent and live in their own home, or in the home of a family member.

Many of Just Better Care’s local office teams have received specialised training on how best to support customers and their families living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, offering first-hand experience and support services to make every day easier.

Just Better Care’s Dementia support services can include:

Assisting with daily activities at home
Helping people to make healthy meals
Support with day-to-day activities like community participation
Medication management
Respite support for carers
24/7 and overnight support
In-home nursing and palliative care.

When care, routine and surroundings work together to create a familiar, supportive and respectful environment, people living with dementia can often remain at home safely and comfortably for longer.

Our trained and experienced team members can provide support for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. Contact the Just Better Care team to discuss your needs.

Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the signs that someone with dementia needs help at home?

Dementia symptoms can include difficulty with routine tasks, trouble finding words, and changes in mood and behaviour. As the condition progresses, a person may forget how to dress or bathe and struggle to recognise family, meaning they’ll likely need support at home and in the community. Just Better Care can provide specialised dementia support at home.

Can dementia be treated?

There are many different treatments and ways to manage dementia. There’s no known cure for dementia yet. But there are treatments to help you live the best life you can. If you are diagnosed with dementia, your doctor and a specialist, like a neurologist, psychogeriatrician, geriatrician or psychiatrist, will usually be involved in prescribing medications for you.

Where can I get more information about dementia?

Dementia Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with dementia. They are committed to achieving a dementia-friendly Australia where people with dementia are respected, supported, empowered, and engaged in community life. Visit their website or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.