What You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s and Dementia

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What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly impairs memory and cognitive skills, and eventually the ability to carry out even the simplest tasks.

Many people use “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” interchangeably believing they are the same thing. However, there is a difference. Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms that includes impaired thinking and memory. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but not the only one. Other types of dementia include Huntington’s Disease, Lewy Body, Parkison’s Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease among others.

Regardless of what type of dementia your loved one may have, we can help.

How are Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia affecting Orange County?

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the top ten leading causes of death in Orange County. Over 164,000 people in Orange County are affected by some form of memory loss and nearly 12% of adults aged 65 and older are believed to have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia in the county. That percentage is higher than the state and national averages, partly due to our aging population and ethnic diversity in the County.

Behind those numbers are thousands of real people, real families dealing with healthcare, social, emotional and financial challenges.

Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s?

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but until there is Alzheimer’s Orange County provides hope through local services that provide care and support in multiple languages.

We remain committed to being a partner that can walk hand-in-hand alongside families and individuals living with this disease through all stages of their journey. Contact us to learn more about our services and how to get connected to local clinical trials and research efforts.

What are some signs of the disease?

It’s normal to forget things occasionally, but when someone starts to experience memory loss that disrupts their daily life, it may be a sign of a cognitive disorder like Alzheimer’s. Keep in mind that Alzheimer’s can affect everyone differently so the symptoms may vary from person to person. Some of those symptoms may include:

• Difficulty planning or solving problems
• Forgetting how to do familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
• Confusion with dates, time and place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing objects and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgement
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Mood swings and changes in personality

What can I do to reduce my risk for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia?

Work on protecting your brain health and reducing your risk regardless of your age. Making adjustments in your life to ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep, eating well (Mediterranean diet and other heart-healthy diets) and staying physically and socially active are just a few ways you can work towards living a brain-healthy lifestyle. Visit our MindFit OC page to learn more about our brain health and memory training programs to help you get started.

How can I help people I know that are living with Alzheimer’s?

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another related dementia, the first step is to seek support. Remember, you are not alone! Get educated, connect with others, and learn about the resources available we offer that can help you prepare and cope in you and your loved one’s journey.

When you care for someone, it’s essential that you make sure you're also caring for yourself. Think of it this way; when you need to put on an oxygen mask on a plane, we’re told to put on our mask before helping others. The same principle applies to caregiving. Maintaining a self-care routine and managing your mental health is crucial to your well-being and avoiding burnout.

Here are some self-care strategies you can try.

Even if you’re not the primary caregiver or care for someone with the disease there’s still a lot that you can do to help your family and friends. Here are some suggestions:

• Educate yourself. Try to learn about the disease, how it impacts those who have it and best practices for how you can interact with those experiencing dementia. Ask the caregiver in your life to see how you can get started.
• Raise awareness. Share resources, information and advocate on behalf of our local dementia community. Participating in our annual Walk4ALZ is a great and fun way to get involved.
• Stay connected. Many caregivers experience elevated levels of stress and are at increased risk of isolation. Helping run errands, bringing a meal, calling them and offering to assist with other care-related tasks are just some ways you can make a positive difference.

How can I support Alzheimer’s Orange County?

For over 40 years, Alzheimer’s Orange County has helped thousands of Orange County families affected by dementia. On March 23, 2024 thousands of people from across our community will come together for Walk4ALZ to raise awareness and funds to continue the fight against Alzheimer’s disease in Orange County. Sign up today to a part of the movement and join us at Angel Stadium for a day of fun, family-friendly activities, music and delicious food.

Visit www.alzoc.org/walk to register, join a team or make a donation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss, call our Helpline at 844-373-4400 to speak to a Dementia Care Specialist for free.

Additional reading & related information
Trails and places to walk around in Orange County
2023 Impact Report
Ask the Expert: Why is Self-Care so Important?

By Jim McAleer, President & CEO - Alzheimer’s Orange County

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