Alzheimer’s vs Dementia: What’s the Difference

Donna Nichols • September 7, 2021

Dementia is the term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not a disease.

What's the difference between alzheimer's and dementia

What is Dementia

Dementia represents symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills. There are many types of dementia and many factors lead to its cause. Mixed dementia is a condition in which brain changes of more than one type of dementia occur at the same time.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behavior and feelings.

A disorder grouped as dementia is caused by abnormal brain changes; these changes cause a decline in thinking skills severe enough to interfere with your daily life and independence. These changes also affect your behaviors, feelings and relationships.

Before dementia was understood as it is now, which still isn’t very good, is was considered a normal aging process and referred to as senile. Dementia is NOT a normal aging process, so if you notice any signs and symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of dementia can vary greatly. Examples include:

  • Problems with short-term memory.
  • Keeping track of a purse or wallet.
  • Paying bills.
  • Planning and preparing meals.
  • Remembering appointments.
  • Traveling out of the neighborhood.

Many conditions start out slowly and gradually get worse. If you do find yourself at the point of having to place your loved one in a memory care facility please don’t hesitate to give us a call. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don’t ignore them!

Early detection is key!

Explaining Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage.

It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time.

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease usually targets the part of the brain related to learning first.

As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion and behavior changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing and walking become difficult.

Though the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is aging, the disease is not a normal part of getting older. And although most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, younger-onset Alzheimer’s has become more prevalent with approximately 200,000 Americans under 65 years-old suffering.

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease are:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Changes in mood and personality

If you notice any of the symptoms in yourself or someone you know, PLEASE seek the help of a medical professional!! Early detection is the KEY!!

If you are caring for someone suffering with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, we hold 3 caregiver support groups a month. Please don’t go it alone, we are here for you!!

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Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.