Alzheimer’s vs Dementia: What’s the Difference?
Hearing a doctor say “dementia” and then “Alzheimer’s” can be very confusing. If you care for a loved one or notice changes in your own memory, you may wonder: Are they the same thing? If not, what’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Understand the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia
You are not alone in this confusion. These terms are often mixed up in casual talk, but in medicine, they mean different things. Understanding the distinction between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is essential. It helps you or your family get the right diagnosis and care for the future.
This guide aims to clear up the confusion. We will look at the meanings of each term. We’ll see how their symptoms overlap and differ. Then, we’ll discuss how they are diagnosed and the management strategies for each.
What is Dementia?
To understand the relationship between these two conditions, it helps to think of “dementia” as an umbrella term. It is not a specific disease itself. It is a general term for various symptoms linked to memory loss or thinking difficulties. These issues can hinder a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks.
Dementia is a syndrome caused by damage to brain cells. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behaviour, and feelings can be affected.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain condition. It is the leading cause of dementia, making up 60-80% of all dementia cases. It’s a progressive condition. This means symptoms grow slowly over many years and get worse over time.
Biologically, Alzheimer’s is characterised by specific changes in the brain. Scientists think that for most people, the disease comes from a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. These factors affect the brain as time goes on.
The primary physical characteristics of Alzheimer’s are plaques and tangles. These plaques and tangles damage and kill nerve cells. This damage starts in the hippocampus. This part of the brain is key to making memories. As neurons die, other parts of the brain are affected, and brain tissue shrinks significantly.
Key Differences in Symptoms
While there is an overlap, the symptoms can present differently depending on the specific type of dementia a person has. Recognising these nuances can be helpful when speaking to a GP or specialist.
The table below shows how general dementia symptoms can vary by type compared to the classic early signs of Alzheimer’s.
| General Dementia Symptoms (Varies by Type) | Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms | |
| Memory | Memory loss is common but not always the first sign. In Frontotemporal dementia, personality changes often appear before memory issues. | Difficulty remembering newly learned information is the most common early symptom because the changes usually begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. |
| Movement | Movement and balance issues can be early signs in Lewy Body and Vascular dementia. | Physical movement is often unaffected in the early stages, though coordination issues may develop as the disease progresses. |
| Hallucinations | Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there) are a core feature of Lewy Body dementia early on. | Hallucinations or delusions generally do not occur until the middle to late stages of the disease. |
| Progression | Vascular dementia often progresses in a “step-like” manner, where symptoms stay the same for a while and then suddenly get worse after a stroke or mini-stroke. | Symptoms develop slowly and get worse gradually over a number of years. |
| Mood | Apathy and depression are common across many types, but extreme swings in behaviour are more indicative of Frontotemporal dementia. | Apathy and depression are very common early symptoms, along with confusion about time or place. |
The Progression of Symptoms
It is important to remember that Alzheimer’s symptoms evolve. In the early stages, symptoms may be dismissed as normal ageing. As the disease progresses, people may face severe disorientation and changes in mood and behaviour. They might struggle with confusion about events, time, and place. Unfounded suspicions about family, friends, and caregivers can also arise. Additionally, they may have trouble speaking, swallowing, and walking.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Tell the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia
There is no single test that can determine if a person has dementia or specifically Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, doctors use a diagnostic process. They check for other issues, like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems, to find the exact cause of cognitive decline.
Diagnosing the specific type of dementia is crucial because it ensures the right approach to care and medication. The process typically involves:
- Medical History Review: The doctor will look at the person’s psychiatric history and history of cognitive and behavioural changes. They will likely ask a family member for input on observed changes.
- Physical and Neurological Exams: These tests evaluate reflexes, muscle tone, sense of sight and hearing, coordination, and balance.
- Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests: These assess memory, problem-solving, attention, counting, and language skills.
- Brain Imaging: Scans such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) are used to identify strokes, tumours, or other fluid build-ups that could be causing symptoms. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans can reveal plaque buildup, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
Doctors can diagnose “dementia” with high certainty. However, figuring out the exact type can be tricky. This is because the symptoms and brain changes of different dementias can overlap.
Management and Care Strategies
Alzheimer’s is a specific disease, while dementia is a broader syndrome. This means care strategies can differ. However, the goal of maintaining quality of life stays the same.
General Dementia Care
Care for dementia mainly aims to manage symptoms. It also helps the person live as independently as they can.
- Creating a Safe Environment: Reducing clutter and removing rugs is key to preventing falls. This is especially important for those with vascular or Lewy body dementia, as they may have balance problems.
- Establishing Routines: Consistent daily routines can reduce confusion and anxiety.
- Communication Aids: Using simple sentences, visual cues, and patience helps bridge communication gaps.
Alzheimer’s Specific Care
Once a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is confirmed, more specific medical treatments may be offered.
- Medications: There are specific medicines, such as cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil), that are approved to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. These can temporarily help with memory and thinking problems.
- Targeted Therapies: Reminiscence therapy helps Alzheimer’s patients by discussing past activities and experiences. Using photographs or familiar items makes it more effective. This is because long-term memory usually lasts longer than short-term memory.
- Managing Behaviour: As the disease affects specific parts of the brain, challenging behaviours may arise. Recognising that this is a symptom of the disease, not that the person is “difficult,” is vital for compassionate care.
Finding Support and Moving Forward
The distinction between the two terms is more than just semantics. Alzheimer’s is a disease; dementia is a syndrome. Knowing the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia helps families seek the right medical advice. It also guides them in selecting treatments and planning for the future with more confidence.
Receiving a diagnosis of either can be life-changing, but it is not the end of the road. With the right support network, individuals can continue to live fulfilling lives for many years.
If you are concerned about your memory or that of a loved one, here are actionable next steps:
- Speak with a GP: Do not ignore the symptoms. Early detection allows for better management of the condition.
- Contact Support Organisations: Charities like the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK offer invaluable advice, helplines, and local support groups.
- Consider Professional Care: Whether it is a few hours of support a week or full-time assistance, professional home care services can provide tailored support. Care assistants trained in dementia care help people live safely and comfortably at home. They support dignity and independence.
How Caremark Can Help with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Living with dementia or Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming. The proper support can make daily life calmer, safer, and more familiar. At Caremark, we help people stay in their own homes for as long as possible, with care that fits their needs and routines.
Our trained care assistants can support with personal care, meals, medication prompts, and gentle daily structure. We can also support memory-friendly activities, conversation, and reassurance to help the day feel less confusing. If safety is a concern, we can help reduce risks at home and monitor changes over time.
We also support families. Whether you need a few visits each week, more regular support, or care day and night, we can build a plan that works for you. If you are not sure what you need yet, we can talk it through and guide you to the right next step.