Boulder Creek Assisted Living’s construction is finally in the home stretch and will be opening this month. The home health aide staff went through a week long training the end of May so they will be prepared when the building opens. There are a lot of new and exciting things to look forward to this month.
I will miss seeing everyone everyday but will be around. Thank you so much for the last three wonderful years, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with everyone. Thank you again for the wonderful wedding shower and I was blessed to be able to see everyone on my wedding day!
What Is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
By Dr. Rob Winningham, Psychology and Gerontology Professor at Western Oregon University
I am frequently asked the question “What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?” The answer is quite simple: Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, actually the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a term used to describe memory and cognitive impairment that is severe enough to negatively affect quality of life. There are many different types of dementia, but the majority of cases are probably of the Alzheimer’s type.
The second most common cause of dementia is vascular dementia, which is caused by a stroke. Other types of dementia include, but are not limited to dementia with lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementias (e.g., Pick’s disease), Parkinson’s-related dementia, HIV-related dementia, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and Wernicke-Korsakoff dementia. Each type of dementia is associated with a slightly different set of symptoms. Experienced
geriatric professionals are becoming quite good at differentiating the type of dementia, but unfortunately there is a shortage of such professionals.
While we have not found a cure for dementia, many lifestyle behaviors seem to be associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of developing symptoms of dementia. These buffering factors include:
- Aerobic exercise
- Physical exercise
- Cognitive exercise
- Eating more fish or taking fish oil supplements
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding diabetes
- Being social engaged
While most types of dementia are not currently reversible, there is a condition that looks like dementia but is not, and that is known as delirium. Common causes of delirium include infection (urinary tract infections are a common cause), dehydration, and pharmacological side effects. If you notice a rapid change in cognition (e.g., inability to focus attention, wandering, incomprehensible language, changes in sleep patterns), it is important to get evaluated by a medical professional.
Anyone concerned about possible dementia should talk with their doctor. But a great place to get more information about dementia is the Alzheimer’s Association. Visit their website at www.alz.org or try contacting a regional chapter of the association.
Have a wonderful June,
~ Jamie Lanners, Boulder Creek Housing Manager