When someone begins to forget appointments, misplace everyday items, or struggle to find the right words in a conversation, it’s natural to feel concerned. For many, these symptoms spark questions about memory-related conditions, especially Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
But here’s the thing: Alzheimer’s and dementia are not the same, and understanding the difference is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and planning for the future.
Dementia: An Umbrella Term
Dementia isn’t a disease itself. Rather, it’s a syndrome, a collection of symptoms that affect cognitive function such as memory, problem-solving, language, and decision-making.
Imagine “dementia” as a large umbrella under which various diseases fall. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but it’s just one of many causes.
Key Characteristics of Dementia:
- It’s not a normal part of ageing
- It involves multiple cognitive impairments (not just memory loss)
- It can be progressive or reversible, depending on the cause
Alzheimer’s Disease: A Specific Type of Dementia
Approximately 60% to 80% of dementia cases worldwide are caused by Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative illness.
It’s a progressive condition, which means it worsens over time, eventually impacting every aspect of a person’s life, cognitive, emotional, and physical.
What Happens in the Brain?
Two aberrant protein complexes accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease:
- Beta-amyloid plaques: These clump together between neurons, disrupting cell communication.
- Tau tangles: These obstruct transport mechanisms and develop inside neurons.
This damage leads to cell death, brain shrinkage, and eventually, loss of function.
Comparing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Dementia is a broad term that refers to a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but rather a collection of symptoms caused by various underlying conditions or injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is a specific and the most common cause of dementia, accounting for about 60–80% of all cases.
Different types of dementia have different causes. It can result from brain injuries, strokes, infections, or nutritional deficiencies. Some forms of dementia, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems, may even be reversible. Alzheimer’s disease, however, has a distinct biological cause: the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which lead to the death of nerve cells and progressive brain damage.
In terms of prevalence, approximately 55 million people worldwide are living with some form of dementia, and most of these cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease.
The symptoms of dementia differ depending on its underlying cause, but commonly include memory loss, anger issues, anxiety, mood swings, confusion, difficulty communicating, and changes in personality or behavioral issues. In Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms typically begin with mild memory loss and difficulty remembering recent events. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience confusion, disorientation, difficulty recognizing familiar people or places, and significant changes in mood and personality.
Dementia can have a sudden or gradual onset, depending on its cause, while Alzheimer’s disease almost always develops gradually, most often after the age of 65. The progression of dementia also varies, some types remain stable or can be reversed if the underlying cause is treated, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is always progressive and irreversible.
Treatment for dementia depends on its cause. For example, treating an infection, managing a thyroid condition, or correcting a vitamin deficiency can sometimes improve cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease currently has no cure, but medications and lifestyle interventions can help slow its progression and manage symptoms.
The prognosis for people with dementia varies widely based on its type and cause. In Alzheimer’s disease, life expectancy after diagnosis typically ranges from 4 to 8 years, although some individuals live as long as 20 years with proper care and support.
In summary, while all Alzheimer’s cases are forms of dementia, not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s. Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions affecting memory and thinking, whereas Alzheimer’s is a specific, degenerative brain disease that represents the leading cause of dementia worldwide.
Types of Dementia (Other Than Alzheimer’s)
There are many other types of dementia, each with unique characteristics. Here are some of the more typical ones:
1. Vascular Dementia
- Cause: Reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or series of mini-strokes
- Symptoms: More than just memory loss, impaired judgment, planning, and organization
- Progression: Can be stepwise, periods of stability followed by sudden declines
2. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
- Cause: Abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in brain cells
- Symptoms: Hallucinations, sleep disturbances, Parkinsonism (rigidity, tremors), fluctuating cognition
- Often confused with: Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s
3. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
- Cause: Degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes
- Symptoms: Major personality, behaviour, and language changes
- Tends to occur earlier than Alzheimer’s, often in people in their 40s–60s
4. Mixed Dementia
- A combination of more than one type, most commonly Alzheimer’s + vascular dementia
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Is It Dementia?
Mild but discernible cognitive deterioration is a hallmark of MCI. People with MCI have a higher risk of developing dementia, but not all will. It’s important to monitor symptoms closely and stay proactive with medical care.
Can Dementia or Alzheimer’s Be Treated or Cured?
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s or most other forms of dementia, but several treatment options can improve quality of life or slow progression:
Alzheimer’s Treatment Options:
- New drugs: Some disease-modifying drugs have shown promise in slowing progression in early-stage Alzheimer’s
- Lifestyle interventions: Diet, mindfulness, exercise, cognitive stimulation, social engagement
Reversible Causes of Dementia-like Symptoms:
Some conditions can mimic dementia but are treatable:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Thyroid issues
- Depression
- Medication side effects
- Alcohol misuse
That’s why early and accurate diagnosis is essential.
Caring for Someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly rewarding but also emotionally and physically demanding. As the illness worsens, caregivers frequently have to assist with:
- Daily activities (bathing, eating, dressing)
- Medication management
- Safety and supervision
- Emotional and behavioral changes
Support Resources:
- Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)
- Local memory clinics
- Support groups for caregivers
- Respite care services
Planning ahead, building a support system, and taking care of your own mental health are key to sustaining long-term care.
The Bottom Line
While dementia is a broad syndrome involving cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific and most common cause of that decline. Understanding the distinction empowers patients, families, and caregivers to seek timely help, access the right treatments, and prepare for the road ahead.
Early diagnosis, lifestyle interventions, and ongoing support can make a significant difference not just in how long someone lives, but in how well they live.
The Psychowellness Center, located in Dwarka Sector-17 and Janakpuri, New Delhi (011-47039812 / 7827208707), provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline, or dementia-related symptoms, including Alzheimer’s disease. Their team of clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and occupational therapists specializes in neurocognitive assessments, memory rehabilitation, behavioral therapy, and caregiver counseling, helping patients maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible. For those seeking convenient and confidential online support, TalktoAngel connects families and caregivers with experienced therapists specializing in geriatric counseling, caregiver stress management, and dementia education, offering accessible care and emotional guidance for navigating these complex conditions with compassion and understanding.
Contribution: Dr. R.K. Suri, Clinical Psychologist, and Ms. Drishti Rajore, Counselling Psychologist
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2025). What is Dementia?
Retrieved from: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Dementia.
Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
National Institute on Aging (NIA). (2025). Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet.
Retrieved from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
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