Alzheimer’s Disease vs. Dementia
Sep 25, 2025
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2 min read
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By Gina Iuliucci
Alzheimer's Disease Vs. Dementia
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. While Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, dementia itself is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities. Here's a closer look at the key differences:
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It’s not a specific disease, but a collection of symptoms caused by various conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or Huntington’s disease. These conditions damage brain cells, leading to issues with memory, communication, and problem-solving.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of all cases. It’s a progressive disease that leads to the degeneration of brain cells, primarily affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. The exact cause is still not fully understood, but the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, plays a significant role in the disease’s progression.
Key Differences
- Dementia is a broad category of cognitive decline caused by various underlying conditions, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a specific disease that falls under the dementia umbrella.
- Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly depending on the cause, but they typically involve memory loss, difficulty with language, impaired judgment, and changes in personality.
- Alzheimer’s disease tends to start with mild memory loss, particularly with recent events, and gradually worsens over time, affecting the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Conclusion
While both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease impact cognitive function, understanding the distinction between the two is important. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment can help improve quality of life and provide better management strategies.