NHS figures suggest that over 944,000 people in the UK currently have dementia, including one in every 11 over 65 years old
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often mistaken for one another. But one psychologist has now delved into both terms to definitively clarify their meanings.
Dr Kelynn Lee, CEO of the Dementia Care Hub, posted her insights in a quick TikTok clip last year. She explained that while Alzheimer’s and dementia are frequently mixed up, they are actually quite different.
“One question that keeps coming up is, ‘What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?'” she said to her followers. “So, this is going to be a very brief video, and I’m going to make it very clear.”
In a nutshell, Dr Lee stressed that dementia is an umbrella term which encompasses various syndromes, like Alzheimer’s disease. This essentially means that Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, so dementia cannot be a form of Alzheimer’s.
She continued: “Okay, so dementia is the umbrella term, whereby there are lots of dementia syndromes that sit underneath. So you have Alzheimer’s disease, you have vascular dementia, you have mixed dementia, you have Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
“You have frontotemporal dementia, you have Lewy Body dementia, the Korsakoff’s dementia. So, there are lots of different dementia syndromes. They all fit underneath the term ‘dementia’. So, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. I hope that is clear.”
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NHS figures suggest that more than 944,000 people in the UK currently have dementia, including one in every 11 over 65 years old. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60 to 70% of cases, according to the World Health Organisation.
While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still not yet completely understood, there are numerous factors associated with an increased risk. These include:
- Lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease
- Increasing age (but dementia is not a ‘normal’ part of ageing)
- Family history of the condition
- Untreated depression
Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, which means its symptoms develop slowly over many years. Usually, the first symptoms arise as minor memory problems, such as misremembering names or forgetting conversations.
However, as the condition progresses, the NHS explains that other signs might include:
- Low moods and anxiety
- Behavioural changes – increasing aggression or suspicion
- Problems moving around without assistance
- Hallucinations
- Difficulties with communication, speech or language
- Trouble making decisions
- Confusion, disorientation or getting lost in familiar places
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Advice from the NHS adds: “There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms.
“Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer’s live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it’s easier to move around and remember daily tasks.
“Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem-solving skills and language ability.”
Anyone who believes they are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is encouraged to seek GP advice. Further information is available at the NHS website.