Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s – A Mini Guide for Caregivers 

Every year, millions of Americans navigate the challenges of living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These neurodegenerative conditions come with memory loss, mood and behavior changes, and movement difficulties that can be stressful for the person experiencing them as well as for their family members and friends. 

Part of navigating these conditions involves learning more about what they entail to better understand the warning signs and care options available to your loved one. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of key symptoms, offer ways to distinguish age-related memory loss from dementia, and explore when to consider memory care. 

Quick Navigation 

• A quick look at memory loss – dementia, Alzheimer’s, and what’s “normal” 

• Understanding Parkinson’s disease and dementia  

• When to consider memory care options and how to find support 

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s vs. “Normal” Memory Loss 

While dementia and Alzheimer’s are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re not exactly the same thing. Dementia is an umbrella term referring to a collection of common symptoms experienced by people who have a disease or illness that affects their memory, thinking, reasoning, personality, mood and/or behavior. These symptoms may include: 

• Problems with short-term memory. 

• Frequently forgetting to pay bills or attend appointments. 

• Struggling to recall words or names. 

• Repeating questions or statements over a short period of time. 

• Misplacing commonly used items or putting them in unusual spots. 

• Difficulty with everyday tasks, such as preparing meals. 

• Displaying a change in mood, behavior, or interests. 

Many diseases and conditions can cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Other diseases and conditions associated with dementia symptoms are vascular dementia, Huntington’s disease, Lewy body dementia, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, vitamin deficiencies, and certain infections or medications. Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are the two most common causes of dementia and the most common combination in patients who have been diagnosed with mixed dementia.  

Alzheimer’s is a disease in which proteins in the brain don’t function correctly, triggering a series of events that lead to the eventual death of brain cells. While not every case of dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s is always considered a type of dementia and shares the same symptoms.  

Because dementia and Alzheimer’s are very prevalent among adults over age 65, with as many as 1 in 9 American seniors currently living with Alzheimer’s, it can be easy for seniors and their loved ones to view every forgetful moment as a potential warning sign. So, what distinguishes “normal” memory loss from dementia symptoms? 

“Normal” memory loss is temporary, mild, and does not disrupt a person’s daily routine. Occasional forgetfulness, such as missing a payment or briefly forgetting what day it is, is a natural part of aging. The same is true for similar cognitive difficulties, such as taking a little longer to recall a memory or learn a new skill. 

Dementia-associated memory loss is frequent, severe, and interferes with a person’s day-to-day life. A forgetful person may lose their keys. A person who has dementia may forget what keys do. Memory loss is the primary symptom of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, but it is not the only one. If your loved one is regularly having trouble concentrating, getting lost in places they know well, or experiencing a sudden personality change, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. 

Parkinson’s Disease 

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder typically characterized by tremors and other movement difficulties. While memory loss and other symptoms typical of Alzheimer’s disease are not the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s, it does include the decline or death of brain cells and can cause dementia.

Signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s include: 

• Tremors. This shaking usually begins in the hands, fingers, foot, or jaw. 

• Less expression in the person’s face and difficulty blinking. 

• Slowed movement, known as bradykinesia. 

• Rigid or stiff muscles that feel tense and painful. 

• Impaired balance and posture, often leading to falls. 

• Speech and writing changes. 

• Loss of automatic movements, such as blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms while walking. 

• Loss of smell. 

• Nonmotor symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep problems, depression, acting out dreams, problems with memory and thinking, constipation, skin problems, and frequent urination. 

These symptoms may be subtle at first and tend to begin in only one side of the body. Some of these symptoms may present with other conditions or come with the aging process, so talk to your doctor if you suspect you or your loved one may have Parkinson’s. They can perform a neurological examination or run medical tests to rule out other causes. 

When To Consider Memory Care Options

Receiving a dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s diagnosis is life-changing. Grappling with the knowledge that your body will lose certain key functions that can never be recovered is overwhelming and can feel impossible to come to terms with. It can be frightening, frustrating, and exhausting, especially as you experience increasing confusion and memory loss. 

As an adult child of an older loved one who has recently received this diagnosis, you may find yourself thrown into caregiver roles you feel unprepared to take on. As the disease progresses, you might experience growing resentment toward the person your parent is becoming and deep grief about the person they used to be. 

Safety should be at the forefront of your decisions when facing this medical journey. Seniors with late-stage dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s may have angry outbursts or act in ways that can create a dangerous situation for themselves or others. Know your limitations and reflect on what you can reasonably handle. Memory care communities and similar professional options can provide high-quality care that you may not have the resources or training to provide on your own. 

For caregivers and seniors facing these diagnoses, it can be distressing to manage these symptoms each day while observing the impact they have on a loved one’s quality of life. This feeling can be amplified as care needs increase and it becomes increasingly difficult to remain flexible, respond calmly, and correctly anticipate future needs.  

While these conditions don’t have a cure yet, there have been massive breakthroughs in slowing their progression and improving people’s quality of life. Seeking out these treatments, which include both medications and non-medicated coping methods, can improve your situation and give you the tools you need to navigate this difficult path. 

To learn more about supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s or choosing the right memory care option, contact a Stoney Brook senior living expert today. Experience the Stoney Brook difference and the many benefits of relationship-centered living! Subscribe to our blog for valuable free resources. Schedule a tour at any of our Central Texas assisted living and memory care communities and see why our residents call Stoney Brook home.