alzheimer's and dementia

Learning the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Many people make the mistake of using the terms Alzheimer’s and Dementia. However, these two medical terms are linked to one another. For one thing, both are debilitating conditions. People who have been diagnosed with either of these will quickly lose their sense of independence, resulting in the need to be confined to an assisted living facility.

 

Understanding both Alzheimer’s and Dementia requires being able to identify the distinct characteristics of each. With that, let’s proceed to discussing them.

 

Dementia

Dementia is not a disease, but a syndrome. A syndrome is a group of symptoms with no definitive diagnosis. It affects mental cognitive tasks like memory and reasoning. According to the World Health Organization, dementia affects 47.5 million people around the world.

 

It can be easy to overlook the symptoms of dementia because they are often mild. It usually starts with simple episodes of forgetfulness that may continue to get worse.

 

Dementia has many causes. Some of the most common are:

  • Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s
  • Infections, such as HIV
  • Vascular diseases
  • Stroke
  • Depression
  • Chronic drug use

 

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

  • People with dementia have trouble keeping track of time and tend to lose their way in familiar settings.
  • As dementia progresses, it becomes harder to recall names and faces. Personal care becomes a problem.
  • Obvious signs of dementia include repetitive questioning, inadequate hygiene, and poor decision-making.
  • In the most advanced stage, people with dementia become unable to care for themselves. They will struggle even more with remembering people and places they are familiar with. Behavior can turn into depression and aggression.

 

Analyzing Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a disease that falls within the dementia spectrum. It’s a form of brain disease that impairs both memory and cognitive function.

 

It is possible to tell if a person has the disease if he or she exhibits any of these symptoms:

  • Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations
  • Apathy
  • Depression
  • Impaired judgment
  • Disorientation
  • Changes in behavior
  • Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or walking in advanced stages of the disease

 

 

There are over 5 million people in the United States who have Alzheimer’s. The disease also accounts for about 50 to 70 percent of all cases of dementia. Sadly, the exact cause for it remains unknown and a cure for it has yet to be discovered.

 

Still, there are ways to effectively manage the disease:

  • Medications for behavioral changes, such as antipsychotics
  • Medications for memory loss including cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil (Aricept) and rivastigmine (Exelon) and memantine (Namenda)
  • Alternative remedies that aim to boost brain function or overall health, such as coconut oil or fish oil
  • Medications for sleep changes and depression

 

 

Expert care for patients

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are a major cause of disability for older adults. They can have a huge impact on the patient and the people that surround him or her. Patients can become an emotional and financial burden on families and caregivers. But this can be overcome by moving the patient to an assisted living facility specializing in care and management for people with these medical conditions.

 

It would be wise to do your research and compare services before deciding on which facility to choose.

 

 

 


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

assisted living

Options like Financing for Senior Care

There are a lot of considerations for people who opt for senior care and housing. But whether you’re planning it for yourself or an aged loved one, costs are always high up that list.

 

According to Genworth’s latest Cost of Care Survey, monthly fees for assisted living across the United States now average at $4000/month. Specific figures will be higher or lower depending on where you live and what sort of care is needed, but it’s clear that this is something you have to prepare for financially.

 

On that note, let’s take a look at the different ways you can fund a stay at a senior housing community.

 

 

Quick buy programs

Seniors who don’t want to go through all the hassle of selling property can partner with companies that have a quick buy program. This provides a stress-free way to sell a home in as little as 30 days. These companies assist seniors with the challenges of moving and offers a comfortable transition while you or your loved ones settle into a new lifestyle.

 

 

Renting out the home

Aren’t you willing to let go of the big house yet?  Rent it out instead. Those monthly payments can cover the cost of a senior living facility and ensure that the property remains in the family for years to come.

 

 

Bridge Loans

These are short-term loans that can help pay for the cost of an assisted living facility.

 

 

Veterans’ Programs

Former military personnel or war veterans who are eligible to receive a VA pension may also get benefits that can help them pay for senior housing.

 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers eligible war veterans and their spouses nearly $2,000 per month to help defray the cost of assisted living or other non-reimbursed medical care through the Aid and Attendance Program.

For more information about financing senior care through veterans’ benefits, contact the Veterans Regional Office nearest you.

 

 

Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC)

LTC insurance policies may help pay for care in an assisted living community.

 

There are pros and cons to consider when using LTC to finance senior living. The benefits may be used in a home setting, assisted living or a long-term care center, making care more affordable. On the other hand, most policies have limits on how long and how much they’ll pay. Premiums can also increase and you could lose your investment if you are unable to pay. Coverage is based on strict requirements for the assisted living community.

 

 

Tax Benefits

The International Revenue Service offers tax deductions on some senior care related costs that can potentially benefit both the resident and the family. Reach out to your tax adviser or accountant for guidance on how to apply for these tax deductions.

 

These are just some of the options you can have when it comes to paying for senior housing. It would be wise to do your research and compare with each one first before making a decision. That way you can ensure that you or your senior family member can relocate to a wonderful senior care community at costs that you can afford.

 

 

 


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper