When I'm working in the community, one of the most common questions I get from caregivers is, "What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?" The truth is, they are the same thing, though the answer is a little more complicated than that. 

Dementia is a syndrome, which is a medical term for a group of symptoms that a person has at the same time. People with dementia often have multiple symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, and personality changes. Alzheimer's is a disease that causes many of the symptoms we see in people with dementia. However, Alzheimer's disease is only one condition that causes dementia symptoms. 

I often talk with people who have recently become caregivers and are not sure where to turn to for information. Oftentimes, they do not know what information to look for or where to find it. Also, the resources and services available in communities varies, so I'm often at a loss when a caregiver asks about services in a community that I'm not familiar with. 

Caregivers are desperate for information, though! There are so many questions they have, like:

• Where can I find someone to care for my Dad while I'm at work?
• What kind of services do caregivers use that are helpful?
• Where can I get connected with other caregivers to talk with?

Research shows that primary care providers often do not know what types of supportive services are in the community for people with dementia and their caregivers. So, caregivers often get frustrated because they explain their situation to the doctor or nurse,  but they may not get a lot of information about how to get help at home.