Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What Families Need to Know
At All Heart Home Care, we understand that a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia doesn’t just impact the person living with the disease—it touches everyone who loves and cares for them. This guide is created with the hearts of San Diego families in mind. Whether you’re just starting to notice signs or deep into the caregiving journey, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and how you can best support your loved one.
What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms related to changes in memory, thinking, and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, making up 60% to 80% of cases. While many people use the terms interchangeably, Alzheimer’s is a specific brain disease that progresses over time.
In Alzheimer’s, nerve cells in the brain are damaged by two abnormal structures: plaques (clusters of a protein called beta-amyloid) and tangles (twisted strands of a protein called tau). These structures disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually cause them to die.
Understanding the Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s
The human brain is made up of billions of neurons that form networks responsible for everything we do. Alzheimer’s starts in the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, which controls thought, memory, and language. Over time, the death of neurons leads to brain shrinkage, impairing essential functions.
Key symptoms of this damage include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty solving problems or making plans
- Language struggles
- Personality and behavioral changes
- Loss of physical abilities in later stages
Who Is Most at Risk?
Some risk factors can’t be changed, while others are influenced by lifestyle:
- Age: Risk doubles every 5 years after 65
- Family history and genetics: Certain genes can increase the chance of developing Alzheimer’s
- Ethnicity: Hispanic and African American populations are at greater risk
- Gender: Women are more likely to be affected, partially due to longer life expectancy
Emerging evidence also shows that managing heart health—avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, staying active, and eating well—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s progresses gradually and uniquely for each person, but it generally follows three main stages:
Early Stage (Mild):
- Subtle memory lapses
- Difficulty finding words
- Trouble remembering names or recent events
- Losing items or getting lost in familiar places
Middle Stage (Moderate):
- Increasing confusion
- Needing help with daily activities (like choosing clothes or bathing)
- Changes in sleep and mood
- Greater risk of wandering
- Personality changes, including suspicion or delusions
Late Stage (Severe):
- Loss of awareness of surroundings
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Full-time assistance needed for personal care
- Increased vulnerability to infections
Treatment and Care Options
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, some medications may help manage symptoms for a time. Non-drug approaches are also powerful tools in caring for someone with dementia.
Non-drug strategies include:
- Redirecting instead of correcting
- Creating a calm, familiar environment
- Looking for sources of discomfort (pain, hunger, cold)
- Encouraging meaningful activity and rest
FDA-approved medications:
- Donepezil (Aricept®), Rivastigmine (Exelon®), Galantamine (Razadyne®)
- Memantine (Namenda®)
- Donepezil + Memantine (Namzaric®)
These medications may help with symptoms temporarily but do not stop the progression.
Advancing Research and Hope for the Future
Alzheimer’s research has shown that the disease begins years before symptoms appear. Scientists are working to detect these early changes and intervene sooner. Clinical trials offer hope and opportunities for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
You can learn more or volunteer for clinical trials through the Alzheimer’s Association’s TrialMatch®.
How All Heart Home Care Supports You
Our team is dedicated to walking alongside families in San Diego County with professional, heart-centered home care. We understand the nuances of Alzheimer’s and tailor our support to meet each stage of the journey. From companionship and personal care to respite and advanced care needs, we are here.
You are not alone. We invite you to reach out and start a conversation. Together, we can bring peace, comfort, and dignity to every step of the Alzheimer’s journey.
