Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia: Spotting the Crucial Differences

An estimated 7 million Americans over the age of 65 have been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at this point according to reports from the medical sector. In truth, the number of people living with these conditions could be much higher because they often go undiagnosed in their earliest stages. Over time, though, their symptoms become much more noticeable and crippling. 

Many people use the terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” interchangeably, but these conditions aren’t quite the same. Though their symptoms are very similar, there are key distinctions between the two. It’s important to understand the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia and why the divergence matters. Read on to learn more about both conditions and what sets each one apart from the other. 

Taking a Closer Look at Dementia

First, let’s take a closer look at dementia. This is actually a general term used to describe a variety of disorders that affect the brain. More than 200 types of dementia have been discovered thus far. Each one stems from different causes and affects the brain in different ways. That being said, their symptoms are very much the same. 

Dementia encompasses a long list of cognitive, mental, and physical symptoms. Those include memory loss, inability to learn new skills and concepts, and declining problem-solving and reasoning abilities. People suffering from dementia may also struggle to communicate and have trouble understanding other people. They may get lost in places that are familiar to them and be unable to recognize people they know.

In terms of mental symptoms, people who are living with dementia may experience mood swings, irritability, and significant changes in personality and behavior. They have a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression as well. Physical symptoms may include balance and coordination issues, tremors, muscle weakness, and sleep disturbances. Over time, people who are living with dementia may experience changes in their vision, taste, and hearing. Dementia sufferers eventually become unable to carry out everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. 

Explaining Alzheimer’s Disease

Now, let’s delve into Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a type of dementia. Different types of dementia affect varying areas of the brain, but Alzheimer’s generally impacts the entire brain. It’s characterized by specific protein abnormalities in the brain. One is the buildup of amyloid plaques that damage neurons and interfere with normal brain function. Another is the formation of tau clumps inside neurons.

Those plaque abnormalities prevent neurons from communicating with each other the way they’re supposed to. They cause brain cells to die and prevent new ones from being produced. This degradation grows worse over time, causing the symptoms to follow suit. Alzheimer’s disease can actually take hold long before symptoms begin to appear. Though doctors can use patients’ symptoms and risk factors to determine that they may be suffering from Alzheimer’s, this condition can only definitively be diagnosed via an autopsy. 

All Things Considered

Dementia is a general range of conditions that cause cognitive, mental, and physical decline. Their symptoms start off mild, but they grow worse as the conditions progress. They ultimately become debilitating. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia. Its symptoms are much the same as other forms. At present, there’s no cure for any type of dementia. Still, many of them can be treated to help slow their progression and manage their symptoms.