Dementia is a serious and growing health concern affecting over 55 million people around the world. However, many mistakenly conflate the condition with Alzheimer’s Disease. Care highlights the differences between the two conditions and the importance of understanding them.
Dementia describes a decline in cognitive function and mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is a common symptom. However, dementia can also impact reasoning, comprehension, language and spatial awareness. Different types of dementia have distinct symptoms and causes.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that primarily affects memory. It often starts with short-term memory loss, such as forgetting conversations, misplacing items and repeating oneself. As the disease progresses, it can also impact:
Besides Alzheimer’s disease, there are several other common types of dementia, each with unique symptoms and causes. Understanding these different types helps in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate care.
Lewy Body Dementia affects thinking, reasoning and processing information. It often presents with hallucinations and behavioral issues. People with LBD may experience agitation, memory problems and symptoms like Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and slow movements.
Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke or chronic illness. Symptoms can include confusion, slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating and problems with organization. The symptoms vary depending on the location of the blocked or damaged blood vessels.
Frontotemporal Dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control personality, language and movement. Symptoms can include changes in personality, behavior, language difficulties, memory loss and confusion.
There isn’t a single test for dementia. Doctors instead use various sources of information, including patient history, family observations and physical exams, to determine the type of dementia. Cognitive testing and MRIs may also assess memory, attention, language and other cognitive abilities.
The sooner someone facing a dementia diagnosis begins planning for their future care and financial decisions, the better for their loved ones. This planning involves discussing the person’s wishes and preparing legal documents.
“Have the conversation,” says Martha Mannix, a clinical associate professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. In an article by Tribdem, she emphasizes the importance of discussing who the person wants to be with, how they want to spend their time and putting themselves in the person’s shoes.
Legal documents, like Financial Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Powers of Attorney, are indispensable to protecting yourself against dementia. These documents ensure that power over your finances and healthcare lies with your family, not a court-appointed guardian. Establish a Financial power of attorney, a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will/Advance Healthcare Directive to control your finances and healthcare if you cannot do so for yourself.
Start Planning for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Today
If you or a loved one faces a dementia diagnosis, a good estate plan makes all the difference. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how estate planning can support you and your family in the face of cognitive decline. Curran Estate & Elder Law in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a life care planning law firm. We have, on staff, a care coordinator who is crucial to moving through life with dementia or with a loved one with dementia. More information can be found on our website about life care planning and our care coordinator.
References: Care (Jan. 7, 2022) “Understanding the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s: What experts say you need to know” and Tribdem (Jul. 29, 2023) “Dealing with dementia | Planning ahead: 'Have the conversation' | News | tribdem.com”
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