Columbia Researchers recently found that around 10% of the United States population of people 65 and older have dementia, while an additional 22% have some type of mild cognitive impairment.
However, the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” typically get confused or are used interchangeably.
The fact of the matter is – they’re not the same thing.
Below, we will discuss the major differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s and how Commonwealth Royale Senior Living goes above and beyond to manage and support our residents living with cognitive decline.
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the Difference?
The best way to describe dementia is that it is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms, one of the most predominant being memory loss. Other symptoms of dementia include poor judgment, decreased attention, and changes in language and behavior.
Dementia is not a specific disease and can be caused by several diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Korsakoff Syndrome, and Huntington’s.
Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is a cause of dementia. In fact, it’s responsible for 60–70% of cases of dementia, according to the World Health Organization. It is a specific type of progressive brain disease that slowly damages memory and overall thinking abilities.
Alzheimer’s is broken down into three progressive stages:
- Mild (Stage 1): In stage 1, those with Alzheimer’s may start to slow in their speech and understanding and have mood swings. They will begin to experience memory loss, especially short-term.
- Moderate (Stage 2): As the disease progresses to stage two, the individual will begin to experience more pronounced symptoms that interfere with their daily life and independence. For example, they may struggle with bathing or sleeping and start wandering.
- Severe (Final Stage): During this final stage of Alzheimer’s, the individual will be unable to do regular day-to-day activities, such as chewing and swallowing. Many become bedridden and require full assistance while experiencing severe memory loss.
How Commonwealth Royale Assists and Supports Those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Knowing your loved one is struggling with any type of memory care can be overwhelming. Many families choose to get professional help from the assistance of a senior living facility. Still, you want to make sure you’re choosing a place that can properly assist and support your loved one.
Here at Commonwealth Royale, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch support and assistance to our wonderful residents experiencing memory loss. Here’s how:
Care Plans Tailored to Your Loved One
We know that every situation is different. That’s why we go above and beyond to curate programs that meet the specific needs of each resident, and our highly trained staff members put the plans into action and are available round-the-clock.
A Safe, Comforting Place to Call Home
Keeping our residents safe and secure is paramount, especially for residents with memory care challenges. Our assisted living facility is carefully curated to be easily navigated with wall-to-wall soothing colors to create a sense of peace. Safety features include secured entrances and enclosed outdoor spaces, ensuring peace of mind for residents and their families.
Purposeful Life-Enrichment Programs
Our activity offerings are designed to stimulate cognitive function for our residents struggling with memory loss. From art to trivia contests and puzzles, our therapies and classes are here to help your loved one.
Commonwealth Royale: Your Partner in Navigating Cognitive Decline
Dementia and Alzheimer’s may differ in diagnosis, progression, and symptoms, but for families, both bring uncertainty, emotional strain, and difficult decisions. At Commonwealth Royale Senior Living, families are never expected to navigate cognitive decline alone. Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and dignified environment where residents experiencing memory loss can continue to live with comfort, respect, and purpose; while families gain peace of mind knowing their loved one is in compassionate, capable hands.
We take a whole-person approach to memory support. Our experienced care team understands that cognitive decline affects far more than memory, as it also impacts daily routines, emotions, communication, and overall quality of life. That’s why every resident receives individualized care tailored to their cognitive abilities, personal history, and evolving needs. From gentle daily assistance and structured routines to emotional reassurance and meaningful engagement, our team is trained to support residents at every stage of cognitive change.
Families are an essential part of the care journey at Commonwealth Royale. We prioritize open communication, education, and emotional support so families feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way. Through guidance, resources, and ongoing collaboration, we help families better understand what their loved one is experiencing and how best to remain connected throughout the process.
Most importantly, Commonwealth Royale is a place where residents are treated with dignity, patience, and genuine compassion. Our thoughtfully designed environment promotes safety, familiarity, and calm, helping reduce confusion and anxiety while encouraging comfort and confidence. Life-enrichment programs are intentionally designed to stimulate cognitive function, encourage social interaction, and create moments of joy, even as memory changes.
If your loved one is experiencing memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, choosing the right assisted living community can make all the difference. Commonwealth Royale Senior Living is proud to be a trusted partner for families across Los Angeles seeking thoughtful, personalized support for cognitive decline.
To learn more about our approach to assisted living and memory support, schedule a private tour by calling (213) 382-6381 or visit www.ComRoy.com. We’re here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you make the most informed decision for your family.
