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What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
January 07, 2025
When it comes to memory loss, people tend to use “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” as if they mean the same thing. But while they’re related, they’re also different — and mixing the two up can cause confusion about diagnosis and care.
“I tell people to envision Alzheimer’s disease as a small circle within the larger one that is all types of dementia. They may share some of the same symptoms, yet still differ in many ways,” explains Mark Alberts, MD, co-physician-in-chief of the Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute.
Here’s what you need to know about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, and why it matters.
Dementia is a symptom, not a disease.
Dementia isn’t a single disease, but rather a term for a group of symptoms that impact the brain’s ability to:
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Alzheimer’s disease is one cause of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia — but it’s not the only one.
Other potential causes include:
- Abnormal vitamin or hormone levels
- Stroke(s)
- Brain tumor
- Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
> Related: Is Alzheimer’s Causing Your Memory Loss or Is It Just Normal Aging?
A neurologist can identify the cause of your dementia.
When you first see a neurologist for help with memory or cognitive issues, they will look at your medical history, conduct a physical exam and order tests like CT or MRI scans.
“Results of these tests help us identify the type and cause of the problem, which guides us toward treatment,” Dr. Alberts says.
In some cases, treating the underlying cause can reduce or even reverse dementia symptoms. For examples, hydrocephalus can be treated by draining fluid from the brain while a tumor can be surgically removed or treated with radiation.
> Related: Can a Blood Test Assess Your Alzheimer’s Risk?
New treatments have emerged for Alzheimer’s.
For many years, there were no treatments for dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. But recently, treatments like FDA-approved monoclonal antibody therapy offer new hope.
“We’re happy to have this option as the number of patients with Alzheimer’s increases, largely because of the aging Baby Boomer population,” Dr. Alberts says.
When to see a doctor.
If you or a loved one are having consistent trouble with activities of daily living because of memory or cognitive issues, it may be time to see a doctor. Identifying symptoms early on can lead to treatment and better outcomes, no matter what’s causing the dementia.
“Too many people think major memory loss is a function of normal aging, but that’s not true. As we get older, there may be a decline in memory but it’s typically mild. Awareness means fewer people will become impaired with significant dementia.”