Memory Loss: Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Dementia is the general term that describes symptoms most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as memory loss, and problems with thinking and reasoning that interfere with daily life and activities.

Dementia does not cause the symptoms of memory loss; it is a word that describes the symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause for the symptoms of dementia.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer’s disease damages the part of the brain involved in memory, problem solving, judgment, language, and behavior. Over time, people with Alzheimer’s lose the ability to take care of themselves and carry out simple tasks of daily living such as eating, dressing, or bathing. An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. It is the most common cause of dementia among older people, but it is not a normal part of aging.

What causes Alzheimer's disease?

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown. However, certain risk factors, such as advancing age, family history, and genetics increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

How to prevent Alzheimer's disease

Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatment may slow the progression and help manage symptoms in some people. Research suggests that healthy aging can help keep the brain healthy and may offer some protection against the disease. This includes eating healthy, getting physical and mental exercise, participating in social activities, and avoiding alcohol. Medications closely monitored by a physician may also be able to help.

Normal signs of aging vs. signs to talk to your doctor

Normal Signs of Aging	Signs to Talk to Your Doctor
Sometimes forgetting names, but remembering them later	Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Making occasional errors while balancing a checkbook	Challenges in planning, solving problems, keeping track of bills, or trouble with numbers
Occasionally needing help to perform everyday tasks	Difficulty completing familiar tasks such as bathing, shaving, or cooking dinner
Getting confused about the day of the week, but figuring it out later	Confusion with time or place
Vision changes related to cataracts	Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships leading to difficulty with driving
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word	New language problems such as remembering basic words, asking the same questions, and repeating stories
Occasionally misplacing things like a pair of glasses	Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Making a bad decision once in a while	Decreased or poor judgment, such as giving away large amounts of money, or paying less attention to bathing and dressing
Sometimes feeling wary of social obligations	Withdrawal from social activities
Becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted	Changes in mood or personality such as sudden mood swings, outbursts of anger or crying

What if you have concerns related to memory loss?

Speak to your doctor about your memory loss concerns as soon as possible. If Alzheimer’s or a related disorder is diagnosed at an early stage, treatments may be more effective. For more information about diagnosis, treatment, caring for someone with dementia, or any other questions related to memory loss, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

CarePartners of Connecticut members: How your plan helps

If you're already a CarePartners of Connecticut member, a special program available only to members can help:
CarePartners of Connecticut and the Alzheimer’s Association (Connecticut chapter) are working together to provide a special program for CarePartners of Connecticut members. If you have questions about Alzheimer’s, memory loss, or related disorders, you can speak directly with a CarePartners of Connecticut Dementia Care Consultant with direct access to the resources and experts at the Alzheimer’s Association.

This program can help:

Answer questions you have about dementia or memory loss
Provide personalized care planning for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Assess and identify education, support, and care needs
Assist with referrals to community resources
Provide education and information
Provide information on support groups and free educational programs in the community
Work with your Care Manager and primary care provider to help meet your needs

For more information or to speak to a Dementia Care Consultant, call Member Services at 1-888-341-1507 (TTY: 711). For additional information and resources related to Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders, please visit the CT Alzheimer’s Association website. For more information on the program, you can also call Member Services.

Not a CarePartners of Connecticut member?

Let us help you. We know nothing is more important than your health. Our team of Licensed Medicare Experts goes above and beyond to help you find the right plan.

Choosing a health plan that will be there for you is important. Choosing a health plan that is always on your side makes all the difference.

Ready to take the next step? Chat with us! We're local and ready to help: 1-844-388-6591 (TTY: 711).

Or, click the button below for other simple ways to enroll:

Ways to Enroll