Alzheimer's and Dementia are different diagnoses.
Dementia is a relatively common medical diagnosis for seniors.
Globally, more than 55 million individuals are affected by this health concern.
Although Alzheimer's and Dementia have similarities, they are distinct conditions.
According to a Care article titled "Understanding the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's: What experts say you need to know," it is helpful to understand what makes each condition unique.
All types of Dementia require estate planning before mental decline reaches the state of incapacity.
Dementia involves the deterioration of mental ability and cognitive function where the change is significant enough to interfere with daily living.
While memory loss is a hallmark of this disorder, other mental functions like language, comprehension, reasoning, and spatial awareness can also be affected.
Distinct categories of degenerative brain disorders have specific causes and symptoms.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder.
The primary impact of Alzheimer's is on memory.
Generally, the disease begins with short-term memory loss.
This can look like misplacing items, forgetting conversations, and repeating oneself.
Progression of this brain disorder can impair driving skills, use of technology, language skills, management of finances, and visual perception.
Alzheimer's is often categorized as a type of Dementia.
Because there are other types with different causes, one must understand what variation of Dementia is present to provide appropriate treatments and care.
What are the common types of this mental disorder?
Lewy Body Dementia impacts how a person processes information, reasons, and thinks.
Presentations often include behavioral issues and hallucinations.
Those who suffer from LBD tend to appear agitated and have memory problems.
Some mannerisms may mirror the tremors and slow movements of Parkinson's disease.
The cause of Vascular Dementia is a reduction of blood flow to the brain.
This often occurs due to another ailment, like a chronic illness or a stroke.
Common symptoms include slowed thinking, poor organization, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
The presence and severity of symptoms are dependent on the location and extent of blocked or damaged blood vessels.
Frontotemporal Dementia impacts the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Because these brain regions are responsible for movement, language, and personality, the symptoms of FTD include memory loss, confusion, language difficulties, and altered personality or behavior.
No single comprehensive test exists for this brain condition.
Rather, physicians must synthesize family observations, patient history, and physical exam to determine the presence and type of Dementia.
MRIs and cognitive tests may also assess attention, language, memory, and other cognitive abilities.
Because Dementia eventually erodes the cognitive functioning of an individual to the point where he or she is no longer competent to make legal decisions, estate planning must be finalized before such symptoms have progressed.
Comprehensive estate planning will include planning for future healthcare and personal care needs and financial decisions.
During the process, those making the plans must communicate wishes and work with an experienced estate planning attorney to create their estate plans.
In an article by Tribdem, Martha Mannix, a clinical associate professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, underscores the critical nature of discussing how those making the plans want to spend their time and where they would like to live.
Financial powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives are essential legal documents for protecting those with Dementia and Alzheimer's.
By creating these documents, you can ensure your medical and financial decisions will be in the hands of your loved ones rather than in the hands of a guardian appointed by the court.
You will have more control over your finances, emergency medical decisions, and end-of-life care should a mental disorder develop or progress.
Whether you or a loved one have received a diagnosis of a progressive mental disorder, estate planning will be crucial.
Before mental capacity deteriorates, consult an experienced estate planning attorney if you have no plan in place.
Dementia involves mental deterioration interfering with daily living.
There are numerous symptoms of cognitive decline beyond memory loss.
These symptoms can guide diagnosis.
As the most common type of Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease primarily affects short-term memory initially and then progresses to other cognitive functions.
Other subtypes of Dementia include Frontotemporal, Lewy Body, and Vascular Dementia.
Whatever type of mental condition is diagnosed, estate planning is equally important to protect the patient and his or her loved ones.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney for advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between Harvest Law KC and the reader.
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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