More Than Just Memory Loss: Understanding the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

It can be a typical scenario; your loved one forgets to pay a bill, frequently misplaces their keys or other items, or forgets a family member’s name. Suddenly the words dementia and Alzheimer’s come up in worried conversations and discussions about your concerns.

While the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation – dementia and Alzheimer’s are actually not the same thing. To put it simply, dementia is a symptom and Alzheimer’s is a disease.

Dementia is a general term used to describe a set of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities, memory, thinking, and behavior. It is not a specific disease, rather an umbrella term for a range of symptoms. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory and cognitive functions. Dementia is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other neurological conditions.

Understanding this distinction is the first step toward getting the right support for your loved one and navigating the path ahead with compassion and understanding.

Dementia

Dementia may be caused by various condition, not just Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms can vary from person to person and the range of dementia symptoms include:

• Memory decline
• Changes in thinking skills
• Confusion
• Needing help with daily tasks
• Poor judgment and reasoning
• Decreased focus and attention
• Changes in mood and behavior

Dementia symptoms are progressive and the signs of cognitive impairment often start out slowly and gradually get worse over time.

Causes of Dementia

Not all cognitive decline is considered dementia, dementia is often driven by an underlying progressive neurodegenerative disease; it can be caused by a variety of diseases that cause damage to brain cells.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common disease that causes dementia with 60-80% of dementia cases caused by the disease. Other causes of dementia include:

• Vascular Dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Parkinson's disease dementia
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• Huntington's disease
• Mixed dementia

Diagnosis and Treatment for Dementia

Since dementia is considered a symptom of other neurodegenerative diseases, diagnosis and treatment will be based on the underlying cause of these symptoms. Your physician may refer you to a neurologist for a full examination and diagnostic testing to determine if your symptoms are related to an underlying condition.

Depending on the cause, there are medications that may help to slow the memory or thinking changes. Early and accurate diagnosis may help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate some symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms include memory loss and a decline in other cognitive abilities, also known as dementia.

Causes of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. The National Institute of Health (NIH) states, “One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells. The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.”

Although it is not exactly known what causes this process to begin, researchers have found that it commonly begins many years before symptoms appear.

While the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease is increased age, it is not a normal part of aging. Other risk factors may include genes, family history, and lifestyle behaviors.

Our brains change as we age and most people eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with memory. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in cognitive thinking and understanding may be a sign that brain cells are failing.

Symptoms and Progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, and the dementia symptoms gradually worsen over time. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to complete everyday tasks, carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it can lead to severe symptoms including disorientation, mood and behavior changes, and confusion. In the final stages it can lead to difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease

Diagnosis

People suffering from progressive memory problems and a decline in cognitive skills may be assessed by a primary care physician or referred to neurologist, geriatrician or neuropsychologist for a thorough evaluation.

While there is no single test that can confirm Alzheimer’s disease, diagnostic tools combined with medical history and other information may help to make an accurate diagnosis. Tests may include neurological exams, cognitive and functional assessments, brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET) studies and blood tests.