• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • About Our Firm
    • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
    • Attorney and Staff Profiles
    • Communities We Serve
      • Minnesota
        • Bemidji
        • Crookston
        • East Grand Forks
        • Fertile
        • Thief River Falls
      • North Dakota
        • Devils Lake
        • Dickinson
        • Grafton
        • Grand Forks
        • Minot
    • Job Opportunities
    • Speaker Connection
  • Estate Planning
    • Asset Protection
    • Business Planning
    • Elder Law & Medicaid Services
    • Estate And Gift Tax Figures
    • Estate Planning Services
    • Family-Owned Businesses & Farms
    • Financial Planning Assistance
    • Incapacity Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Pet Planning
    • Probate
    • SECURE Act
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
    • Are You A Caregiver
    • Conservatorship
    • Coping with Alzheimer’s
    • Hospice Care
    • Life Care Planning Services
    • Medicaid Benefits
    • Nursing Home Planning
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Seminars/Webinars
  • Resources
    • Client Resources
      • Estate Planning Resources for Farmers
      • Elder Law Resources
        • Bemidji
        • Grand Forks Elder Law
        • Minot Elder Law
        • Thief River Falls Elder Law
      • Estate Planning Checklist
      • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
      • Probate Checklist
      • Probate Resources
        • Bemidji Probate
        • Grand Forks Probate
        • Minot Probate
        • Thief River Falls Probate
      • Relocation Toolkit
      • Top 10 Estate Planning Techniques
    • DocuBank
    • Elder Law Reports
    • Free Medicaid/Long-Term Care Calculator
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Asset Protection
        • Business Planning
        • Business Succession Planning
      • Elder Law
        • Medicaid Planning
        • Veteran’s Benefits
        • Nursing Home Planning
      • Estate Planning
        • Estate Planning & Divorce
        • Estate Planning for Women
        • Job of an Executor
        • Families Without an Estate Plan
        • Gift, Estate, and Inheritance Taxes
        • Including Philanthropy in Your Estate Plan
        • Including Your Pet in Your Estate Plan
        • LGBTQ Estate Planning
        • Power of Attorney
        • Serving as Executor
      • Financial Planning
      • Incapacity Planning
        • Social Security Benefits
        • Understanding SSI and SSDI
      • Trust Administration & Probate
        • Probate
        • Small Estate Probate
        • Trusts
        • Wills
    • Newsletters
    • Probate & Estate Planning Savings Calculator
    • Professional Resources
    • Published Books
    • Reports
      • Advanced Estate Planning
      • Basic Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning for Niches
      • Trust Administration
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review us
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

GermanLawGroup

Estate Planning & Medicaid Attorneys in Grand Forks , North Dakota

Call us today(800) 774-7576

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
Attend A Free Seminar
Home » What You Need to Know about Dementia and Alzheimer’s

What You Need to Know about Dementia and Alzheimer’s

November 3, 2020General

Grand Forks elder law attorney

Do you have a loved one who has already been diagnosed with the early stages of dementia and you are concerned about what to expect in the future? Although we often use the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” interchangeably, they are not the same thing.  A Grand Forks elder law attorney at German Law explains what you need to know about dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a broad term used to refer to a group of symptoms that may include impaired thinking and memory. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines dementia as a “word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there.”

Dementia is often associated with the natural cognitive decline that occurs with aging. While Alzheimer’s can lead to dementia, conditions other than Alzheimer’s can also be the root cause of dementia, such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.  Although the most well-known symptom associated with dementia is memory difficulty, there are other areas of cognitive functioning that can also be affected by dementia, including problem solving, spatial skills, and language as well as attention, judgment, and organizational abilities.

Another characteristic of dementia that distinguishes it from Alzheimer’s is that some causes of dementia are reversible. Thyroid conditions or vitamin deficiencies, for example, can cause dementia; however, if they are identified and treated the dementia associated with those conditions can be reversed.  Alzheimer’s related dementia, however, cannot be reversed. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s accounts for about three out of every four cases of dementia.

Understanding Alzheimer’s

While it may sound like a high school logic problem, the best way to understand the relationship between Alzheimer’s and dementia is to remember that Alzheimer’s causes dementia but not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s. Put another way, you can have dementia without having Alzheimer’s but you cannot have Alzheimer’s without dementia.

Despite common misperceptions, Alzheimer’s disease is not a new phenomenon. In on the contrary, the disease was first identified over 100 years ago in 1906. At that time, a physician by the name of Dr. Alois Alzheimer discovered changes in the brain tissue of a woman who died from an unidentified mental illness. Prior to her death, the woman reportedly suffered from memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. After her death, an examination of her brain identified numerous abnormal clumps of protein plaques and tangled fibers.

Today, Alzheimer’s disease is referred to as a specific and progressive brain disease that destroys brain cells which in turn impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s will typically increase in severity over time and begin to affect employment, hobbies and social life, eventually resulting in dementia. Alzheimer’s causes a gradual decline in cognitive abilities over a period of several years and is ultimately a fatal disease.

Although there is a form of Alzheimer’s known as “early onset Alzheimer’s,” most sufferers do not begin to experience symptoms until they are retirement age. Alzheimer’s symptoms include getting lost, asking repetitive questions, having trouble handling money and paying bills, having poor decision-making skills, frequently misplacing items and undergoing personality changes. Completing daily tasks, such as bathing or dressing may take longer than normal as well. In the later stages of the disease, Alzheimer’s may cause one to lose the ability to communicate as well as to recognize oneself or loved ones.

Contact Grand Forks Elder Law Attorney

Please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions or concerns about dementia or Alzheimer’s, contact the Grand Forks elder law attorneys at German Law by calling 701-738-0060 to schedule an appointment.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Raymond German, Estate Planning Attorney
Raymond German, Estate Planning Attorney
Attorney at German Law | Wealth
Raymond J. German provides a wide range of estate planning services to his clients, with a primary focus on creating peace of mind providing for the security of their loved ones, reducing taxes and avoiding a probate, all with a well-crafted estate plan. Mr. German defines the mission statement for German Law as “Helping one family at a time pass on values, beliefs and finances, that can be shared for generations to come.”
Raymond German, Estate Planning Attorney
Latest posts by Raymond German, Estate Planning Attorney (see all)
  • Estate Planning Steps for the Beginner - January 26, 2023
  • Common Medicaid Myths Debunked - January 19, 2023
  • Why Single Adults Need an Estate Plan - January 17, 2023

Other Articles You May Find Useful

How to Pick a Caregiver for a Parent
How to Pick a Caregiver for a Parent
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Holiday Scams That Target Seniors
Holiday Scams That Target Seniors
German Law
10 Things to Do When an Elderly Parent Gets a Terminal Diagnosis
German Law
Elder Sexual Abuse—How to Spot It and What to Do If You Suspect It
Do You Know the Retirement Plan Distribution Rules?
Do You Know the Retirement Plan Distribution Rules?

Primary Sidebar

TESTIMONIALS

Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

Needed to come in to get specific advice for our needs. The attorney spoke to us in terms we could understand, coming to our level and did not make up feel uncomfortable. They were very considerate and caring. We didn’t feel rushed. We felt like they cared and knew what they were doing.

C.P., Minnesota
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

We were wonderfully satisfied. Wayne did an outstanding job of explaining, diagramming and answering questions and concerns.

JW & CD, North Dakota
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

They were courteous, efficient, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.

D.T., Minnesota
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

Very helpful. Our children and us are are confident in your group.

-Anonymous, Fargo, North Dakota
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

"Very professional, covered all, expertise, friendly, peace of mind now."

- Anonymous, North Dakota
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

So much of a client's high or low opinion of an organization depends on their welcomed feeling. I felt that every time I visited the office, every person I talked with listened and took action on my concern or questions! They were also very friendly.

~J.R., Grand Forks, ND
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

From phone calls to signing the final documents I was treated with respect, kindness, and understanding by Wayne & Jenn. Every business that wants their business represented well should have someone like Jenn & Wayne. They both made me feel relaxed and assured I was at the right place at the right time at this time in my life. 

~ Deborah Rucinksi, North Dakota 
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

All of the paperwork was completed in a timely matter. Wayne was very good in explaining the trust to us. 

~Anonymous
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

Thank you for taking care of my finances after I am gone. I worried about probate once; hopefully this has been solved. Everyone was very polite and helpful. Thank you Katie for answering my questions, and also Jenn.

- Anonymous
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

This Avvo rating is killer and so deserved! You are the best brother! The only thing is I think the 10 rating is too low, in my book you go to 11! Congratulations on the award, you should be very very proud. See you at your Holiday party, thx for the invite.

Anthony G., Los Angeles, CA
Client Review
August 24, 2020
    

Everyone at German Law was helpful and pleasant. I felt good about my decision, I thought I was doing the right thing for myself & my family. Wayne took his time and didn't rush, which is good because a lot of this can be over people's heads.

A.W., Red Lake Falls, MN
Client Review
April 15, 2021
    

Excellent

Very interesting, informative and valuable information and ideas.

Valuable information.

RP
Client Review
April 15, 2021
    

5 STARS! Thanks for allowing this to be on a webinar! Very interested in this topic.

Great Estate Planning Guide

SD
November 25, 2022
    

John provided very short turn-around time that we needed. He built an amortization schedule that really met our needs. He was responsive and very easy to work with! Quick and easy!

 

Cammy was also very helpful and professional!

November 25, 2022
    

Really Liked it.
Assisted by John Oelke

November 25, 2022
    

Excellent!

<
>

Subscribe to Our Blog

Subscribe to our blog to get the latest estate planning news and updates!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FREE ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHEET

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Where We Are

German Law
2650 32nd Avenue South, Suite O
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 738-0060
Fax: (701) 738-0064

See Larger Map Get Directions

Office Hours

Monday8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 PM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Map

Footer

  • Speaker Connection
  • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
  • About The American Academy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us

Connect to Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
footer-logo

© 2023 German Law
All Right Reseved.

Attorney Advertisement