D ementia care
Dementia v Alzheimer’s M
disease
Photos: CanStock
any people have heard of dementia but might not understand what it is or what the difference is between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Dementia is a progressive, fatal disease of the brain. It is an umbrella term to describe a large group of illnesses which cause progressive decline in a person’s day-to-day functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills, and physical functioning. There are many different types of dementia – in fact, there are more than 100 different types - with the most common form being Alzheimer’s disease. Other forms include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies.
BY MAREE MCCABE AM, CEO DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA
50 Australian Carers Guide | SPRING 2021
