At Aegis Living, we care for many residents with dementia, including those with Alzheimer’s disease. When referring to a person with memory loss, the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are often used interchangeably. So, is there a difference? There is, let us help clarify.
Dementia is a catchall term that encompasses several disorders that describe a decline in cognitive function that may result in chronic memory loss, impaired reasoning, inability to perform daily activities, impact on communication skills, or changes in personality. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a group of symptoms associated with memory loss. There are many different types of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, and the second most common is vascular dementia caused by a blockage or lack of blood flow to the brain. Other types include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s dementia, Huntington’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, mixed dementia, and alcohol induced dementia. Certain medical conditions such as dehydration, hearing loss and urinary tract infections (UTI), can produce dementia-like symptoms.
Dementia is not considered to be a normal part of the aging process. It’s caused by damage to a person’s brain cells and can affect their personality, feelings, behaviors, and thought process. As a person’s dementia progresses, it can impact their ability to function independently and safely. According to the World Health Organization, recent estimates state that 47.5 million people are currently living with dementia, and this number is projected to grow significantly as baby boomers continue to age.
Physicians have estimated that Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60-80% of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease irreversibly destroys one’s memory and can take away the ability to perform the simplest of tasks over time.
Researchers are still determining what exactly causes Alzheimer’s. Most research focuses on two changes in the brain: plaque buildup between nerve cells, and tangles of built-up twisted fibers. Most brains form plaques and tangles with age, but in Alzheimer’s disease, these changes happen in a particular order that affects memory first. The greatest known risk for getting Alzheimer’s is advanced age. The majority of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are 65years and older, but there are over 200,000 cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in a younger population. The hardest part of learning of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is that there is no cure.
Our brains change with age. You may hear an elderly family member complain about a “senior moment” when they are unable to recall a recent event or can’t remember why they walked into a room. We all notice some slowness in our thinking with age, but a common symptom of Alzheimer’s is being unable to recall newly learned information and with time, experiencing serious memory loss and confusion. As symptoms progress, memory decline can include disorientation, mood swings, behavioral changes, unfounded suspicions, difficulty with word fining, swallowing, stability, and changes in personality. Every person is unique, so their symptoms can present in various ways. Symptoms of decline can also depend on the type of dementia that a person is diagnosed with.
Treatment plans will vary depending on the type of dementia that your loved one is diagnosed with. For those with Alzheimer’s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of medications: cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. These drugs help to delay and lessen symptoms. It is always preferred to institute redirection techniques or environmental changes before exploring medication treatments. For other types of dementia, few drugs help with the progression of their symptoms. Most often, physicians look at strategies to improve a person’s comfort and quality of life.
Scientists hope to one day find a cure. There are currently numerous new treatments that are being researched and in various stages of clinical trials. Two informative resources for the latest, up-to-date treatment research and news are the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society of America.
If you suspect that your family member is living with memory loss or dementia-like symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with their physician as soon as possible. Delaying this physician evaluation can place your family member in a vulnerable situation until the situation is properly addressed. Don’t wait. Early detection can help them get the optimal care needed quickly to detect and treat any behaviors and symptoms, as well as rule out any medical reasons or issues for their symptoms.
Aegis Living provides memory care options if your loved one has memory loss and can no longer live at home safely. Aegis provides expertise in managing and caring for residents with dementia and in addition provides support for their families. Tour a community near you and see how Aegis Living can make an impact on your loved one’s quality of life.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.