What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Dementia is a syndrome – a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific cause of those symptoms – the most common type of dementia. If you’re unsure whether your loved one’s symptoms are due to Alzheimer’s, speak with their GP or a dementia specialist for assessment and advice.

How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a GP assessment, memory and cognitive tests, neurological exams, and sometimes brain scans (MRI or CT). Blood tests can rule out other conditions.

Is Alzheimer’s genetic?

While rare early-onset forms are linked to specific gene mutations, most cases are not directly inherited. Having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s slightly increases risk.

Can someone with Alzheimer’s stay at home?

Yes – with the right support, many people with Alzheimer’s continue living safely and happily at home. Live-in Alzheimer’s care helps maintain independence while ensuring professional assistance is always available.

Which Alzheimer’s care options are available?

The two main options are live-in care and residential dementia care homes. Live-in care provides one-to-one support in familiar surroundings, helping your loved one maintain routines, connections, and independence, often at a lower cost than residential care. Residential homes offer 24-hour supervision and medical support, particularly for late-stage cases. However, many families prefer home-based care: for example, Kenn and Nicole were advised by dementia care specialists to keep their mother at home with tailored support, rather than move her into a care home. Read their full story to see how personalised care made a difference.

What community support is available?

Charities like Age UK and the Alzheimer’s Society offer advice lines, support groups, and activities that help people stay connected and active.

Alzheimer’s care at home

At Elder, we provide compassionate live-in Alzheimer’s care – matching your loved one with a professional carer who offers round-the-clock support at home.

See how personalised care transformed life for Penny and her mum.

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What is Alzheimer’s care?

With Alzheimer’s care, a live-in carer moves into your loved one’s home to provide 24-hour, one-to-one support. Every carer is experienced in dementia and Alzheimer’s, so they know how to adapt to changing needs with patience, empathy, and understanding.

Why choose Alzheimer’s care?

Alzheimer’s can make familiar spaces feel confusing, but staying at home can reduce stress and anxiety. A dedicated carer offers:

Consistency and reassurance: One caring presence who knows their routines and preferences.
Independence and dignity: Gentle support with meals, personal care, hobbies, and daily tasks.
Safety and comfort: Prevents accidents and wandering, while providing compassionate supervision.
Tailored support: Activities and schedules built around your loved one’s personality and lifestyle.

How do I arrange Alzheimer’s care with Elder?

Arranging Alzheimer’s care with Elder involves a clear and supportive process, typically completed in three simple steps:

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Share your care request

Tell us your care requirements using our request form, including the type of care you’re looking for, any specialist skills you need, and what daily life looks like.

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Select your carer

You’ll start receiving profiles of suitable self-employed carers within 24 hours. Chat to them online or arrange a phone or video call, before choosing who you like best.

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Manage care

Once your agreement with your carer begins, use your MyElder account to chat with them and the Elder team, manage your schedule and care information, and find respite cover if you need it.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a physical condition caused by the build-up of proteins (amyloid plaques and tangles) in the brain. This protein build-up gradually blocks the connections between nerve cells, causing them to die, which leads to a decline in brain function. It primarily affects the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory.

According to the UK Dementia Research Institute, in the UK, almost 1 million people live with dementia, with Alzheimer's accounting for 60-80% of all cases.

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

There is no single cause of Alzheimer’s. Instead, it develops due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including:

Age: The biggest risk factor – most cases are diagnosed after 65.
Genetics: A family history of Alzheimer’s can slightly increase risk, particularly for early-onset forms linked to specific genes.
Protein build-up: The defining plaques and tangles interfere with cell function and trigger inflammation.
Health and lifestyle: Factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, poor sleep, head injuries, and lack of exercise may contribute.

Although there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and the right support – such as specialist Alzheimer’s care at home – can help slow progression and maintain quality of life.

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease progresses gradually, with each stage requiring different levels of care and support.

Early-stage Alzheimer’s

In the early stages, symptoms are mild and your loved one may still manage most daily tasks independently. However, this is a key time to plan for the future.

Common symptoms:

Occasional forgetfulness
Losing track of time or appointments
Repeating questions
Subtle difficulty finding words

Helpful actions:

Encourage exercise, social contact, and mental stimulation
Keep consistent routines and visual reminders
Explore Alzheimer’s care options and funding early
Speak to a GP for medical advice and possible treatments.

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Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s

This stage brings a greater need for help with daily activities as memory and thinking decline.

Typical signs:

Increased confusion or agitation
Difficulty recognising familiar people or places
Changes in sleep patterns
Greater risk of wandering or falls.

Care priorities:

Daily personal care support (washing, dressing, toileting)
Companionship and reassurance
Safety measures to prevent wandering or accidents
Help with meals and medication
Activities that promote calm and connection, such as reminiscence therapy.

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Late-Stage Alzheimer’s

In advanced Alzheimer’s, a person will require continuous care. Communication and mobility become very limited.

Care focus:

24-hour supervision and hands-on assistance
Support with eating and hydration
Continence care and gentle hygiene routines
Repositioning to prevent pressure sores
Comfort, touch, and emotional presence
Palliative Alzheimer’s care focused on dignity and quality of life.

You don't have to face Alzheimer's care alone

At Elder, our experienced carers provide sensitive, professional support through every stage of Alzheimer’s – helping families spend more meaningful time together, not just as carers. If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and you’re unsure where to begin, our Care Advisors are here to help.

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How much is Alzheimer’s care?

The cost of Alzheimer’s care varies depending on the type and level of support required. Residential care homes are often more expensive than live-in care, especially when nursing or specialist medical support is needed.

There are several funding options to help cover costs:

Local authority support: After a financial and care needs assessment, your council may contribute towards care costs.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): Full funding may be available if your loved one’s needs are primarily health-related.
Benefits and allowances: Explore Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Understanding the options early can make planning care more manageable. Learn more about funding elderly care at home.

FAQs about Alzheimer's care

Still have questions?phone0333 920 3648

Learn more about our services

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Live-in care

Long-term 24-hour support

A carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support
Suitable for people living with conditions like dementia, reduced mobility, etc.
For long-term care needs

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Respite care

Temporary 24-hour support

A carer moves in for a few days to provide round-the-clock support
Suitable to cover for a main caregiver or for a temporary increase in care needs
Minimum duration of 3 days

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Visiting care

Flexible home visits

Book as many hours as you need for help in the comfort of your home
Support with everyday tasks like grooming, walks, cooking, etc.
From as little as 1 hour per week

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