She does NOT just forgetful of time? Knows everyone, but often thinks it is Easter, when in fact it is Christmas. Can someone explain difference of PD dementia and Alzheimers?
The hallmark of Alzheimer's is hallucinations. Does she see things that aren't there? Parkinsons or vascular dementia are often delusional- believing things that are not true- such as thinking it is Easter or believing she is at a restaurant when you are sitting on the porch.
Most people don't know that Alzheimer's isn't the only cause of dementia. I wouldn't bother trying to explain to them unless they are close friends, just smile and mumble something along the lines of "oh, she sure does get mixed up sometimes", and change the subject. BTW, even if it isn't Alzheimer's it is still dementia and probably progressive, does she have a diagnosis beyond PD?
I would read about these conditions online and speak to her doctor about it. Most people, I have found, don't know the difference in the types of diseases that cause dementia. They don't really know what dementia means. If they hear Alzheimers, then they have a good idea, but if you start talking about Frontal Lobe, Vascular, etc., their eyes glaze over. I think that unless you have it or your family member does, it's not something most people study about.
Is it important for them to know the details? I recall that years ago, one of my friend's mother had dementia and she always called it dementia. When I would say Alzheimers, she would correct me and say not AD, but dementia. I'm not sure if she ever knew what was causing her mom's dementia, but she never told me anything other than dementia. That was before it entered the life of my loved one.
BTW, even if it isn't Alzheimer's it is still dementia and probably progressive, does she have a diagnosis beyond PD?
Is it important for them to know the details? I recall that years ago, one of my friend's mother had dementia and she always called it dementia. When I would say Alzheimers, she would correct me and say not AD, but dementia. I'm not sure if she ever knew what was causing her mom's dementia, but she never told me anything other than dementia. That was before it entered the life of my loved one.