Alzheimer's and dementia are often used as interchangeable terms, but they are different. Dementia refers to a specific group of symptoms, including difficulties with problem-solving, thinking skills, language, and memory. Dementia is caused by changes in the brain that occur in different areas.

In comparison, Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia. In other words, it is a specific change in the brain that includes the degeneration of nerve cells and irregular protein buildup in the brain that causes progressive damage to the brain. Over time, the progression of the damage to the nervous system will result in the eventual death of the individual. The rate of progression of the disease is different between people, and there are some medications that are effective at temporarily improving the symptoms. However, at this time, there is no cure and no way to slowdown the progression.  

An Introduction to World Alzheimer's Day

World Alzheimer's Day is held each year on September 21^st. It began with the introduction of the day by Alzheimer's Disease International, a global organization with a goal to develop policies that support people with Alzheimer's and their families. The September 21^st date falls in World Alzheimer's Month, which is designed to provide increased awareness of this very significant disease.

It is estimated that about 50 percent of people of the age 85 or older have Alzheimer's disease, but as many as half may not be diagnosed. Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's, and the symptoms may occur in people who are as young as 30, but the majority of diagnoses are in those 65 years and up.

How to Help the Person with Alzheimer's Feel Safe and Comfortable

One of the many benefits of working with our in-home care services is the ability to talk with our trained Alzheimer's caregivers. These professionals from Capital City Nurses are here to help families and those with Alzheimer's and dementia to manage the physical issues of the senior while also providing emotional support for the senior and the family.

The Alzheimer's and dementia care services in Potomac, Md., help families to understand how to make the senior or individual with Alzheimer's feel comfortable. We can provide support to learn how to effectively communicate with a person with Alzheimer's, including how to create an environment that is safe, promotes stress reduction, and develops a predictable routine for the senior.

How do Capital City Nurses Caregivers Help to Improve the Quality of Life of Dementia Patients?

With in-home care, our trained staff provides rehab and post-op support, medication management, and assistance to the family members caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease.

We provide the opportunity for caregivers to have some time on their own, which is important to prevent caregiver burnout in the family. We also provide assistance to help direct the family to nursing homes specializing in Alzheimer's care. We can assist in preparing the senior for the transition to the nursing home and in helping the family with this difficult decision.

To find out more about our Alzheimer's and dementia care services for seniors and their families in Potomac, Md., call us at (866)807-7307.