Every September, World Alzheimer's Month is observed as an international campaign to raise awareness. The campaign takes place not only in Australia but across the globe to promote a greater understanding of the condition and its impact on individuals and to support people affected by it.
To help raise awareness, we're discussing the similarities and differences between Alzheimer's disease and dementia while also working to dispel the widespread misconception that these conditions are the same.
"In 2024, it is estimated that more than 421,000 Australians live with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054." (source: Dementia Australia)
There's a common misconception that Alzheimer's and dementia are the same. However it's important to understand that dementia is not one specific disease. Instead, it's a general term that describes a group of symptoms caused by physical disorders that affect the brain.
Alzheimer's is a specific disease under the 'dementia' umbrella, meaning every case of Alzheimer's is an example of dementia, but not every type of dementia is Alzheimer's. There are many types of dementia and understanding the differences between them is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
There are over 200 subtypes of dementia. Each type prevents a person's brain cells (neurons) from working properly, affecting their ability to remember, think and speak.
The most common types are:
Alzheimer's disease
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Mixed dementia
Residential aged care facilities play a vital role in providing care and support for older Australians, particularly those with dementia. These facilities offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the complex needs of individuals in the advanced stages of dementia, making sure they receive constant and specialised care that addresses their cognitive, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Dementia Australia says there are more than 1.6 million people in Australia who are involved in the care of someone living with dementia. 2 in 3 people with dementia are thought to be living in the community, and 54% of people living in permanent residential aged care have dementia.
Given the growing ageing population and the consequent demand for dementia care, the aged care sector has recognised the importance of integrating technological advancements, such as PCS Care, our clinical care system, to enhance support for those living with dementia and their carers.
PCS Care has a range of features specifically designed to cater for the unique needs of dementia care. For example, the Fluid and Nutrition Monitoring feature helps avoid dehydration in residential aged care facilities, and the 'Who I Am' feature (modelled on Alzheimer's Society's 'This is Me' tool) helps care teams improve the quality of information they collect, and enables secure sharing of residents' information.
While Alzheimer's disease and dementia are often used interchangeably, understanding the difference is essential for recognising symptoms, accessing the right support and providing person-centred care. Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect memory, thinking and behaviour, while Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. As our population ages, greater awareness can help individuals, families and care professionals navigate diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support with confidence.
For more information and practical resources, visit Dementia Australia and Alzheimer's Research Australia, which offer trusted guidance, education and support services for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
By staying informed, we can help create more understanding, compassionate communities for everyone affected by cognitive decline.