What is the Difference Between Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease? | Alzheimer’s vs Dementia

Understanding the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease 

Dementia and Alzheimers can be hard to diagnose, not only because the exact cause is not known but because the symptoms tend to overlap between the two. Alzheimer’s and dementia affect millions of people every year. However, due to the lack of awareness, many of these cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. With the misinformation that surrounds aging, help is often sought at the last stage. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow down the progression and increase life expectancy. 

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but a term for cognitive decline caused by various conditions like Alzheimer’s, vascular issues, or brain injuries. It is of a chronic or a progressive nature. It impairs memory, language, problem-solving, and behaviour, often worsening over time. Around 55 million people globally live with dementia, with 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.   

Causes of Dementia 

• Brain cell damage: Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. 

• Vascular issues: Strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain. 

• Infections: Meningitis or encephalitis. 

• Head trauma: Brain injuries from accidents or falls. 

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or poor diet. 
• Genetics: A family history of dementia increases risk. 

What is Alzheimer’s? 

Alzheimer's disease is a gradual, progressive deterioration of memory and thinking ability which leads to one's inability to perform their regular daily activities. It is the most prevalent form of dementia and mostly targets older adults. The condition presents with abnormal proteins that are termed plaques and tangles deposited inside the brain leading to disarrangement in how the brain's cells communicate resulting in cell death. 

Causes of Alzheimer’s

• Amyloid Plaques: Protein masses outside brain cells disrupt communication. 

• Tau Tangles: Twisted protein fibres inside brain cells impair function. 

• Brain Cell Damage: Plaques and tangles cause widespread brain cell death, disrupting memory, thinking, and behaviour. 

Symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer’s 

While symptoms overlap, they differ slightly in progression and focus. 

Dementia Symptoms 

• Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with language or reasoning. 

• Behavioural changes such as agitation or apathy. 

• Difficulty recognising loved ones or managing daily tasks. 

Alzheimer’s-Specific Symptoms 

• Frequent memory lapses (forgetting conversations, names). 

• Poor judgment and time/place disorientation. 

• Misplacing items and struggling with familiar tasks. 

• Unusual mood swings and withdrawal from social activities. 

What are the Types of Dementia? 

Different types of dementia depend on what type of brain cell is damaged in what particular regions of the brain. 

• Alzheimer’s disease – It is the most common cause of dementia and is caused by the aggregation of proteins called plaques and tangles causing the brain cells to waste away. 
• Lewy body dementia – It is caused by the formation of balloon-like clumps in the brain of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Lewy body dementia treatment comprises blood tests, brain scans several prescriptions of medications, and therapy recommendations. 
• Vascular dementia – Another common type of dementia is caused by damage to the vasculature that supplies blood to the brain. This type of dementia can occur due to a brain stroke as well.
• Frontotemporal dementia – It is a group of dementia that is characterized by damage to the frontal and temporal areas of the brain. Frontotemporal dementia causes damage mostly in terms of speaking ability, personality, and behavior. Occupational therapy is a great way for frontotemporal dementia treatment as it aims to help the patient get back on their feet by assisting them with understanding how to do their daily tasks properly.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that is caused due to complex brain changes following cells to waste away, damage, and die. It slowly affects the brain causing impairment in cognitive abilities and memory. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and worsens over time.

What are the Causes of Alzheimer’s?

The cause of this is unknown. In Alzheimer’s disease, there is a formation of abnormal structures in the brain, which blocks communication between the brain cells leading to the death of brain cells. It is not possible to diagnose someone with this disease with complete accuracy, but the patient is diagnosed as having ‘probable Alzheimer’s disease’.

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s? 

The symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s may overlap, but there are some differences. Similar symptoms include reduced ability to think, impairment in communication, and memory.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s mostly include -

• Difficulty in remembering people and conversations
• Forgetfulness
• Poor judgment
• Time and place confusion
• Vision changes related to cataracts 
• Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later
• Making errors while managing finances and other tasks
• Trouble finding the right word while having conversations
• Misplacing things from time to time
• Feeling uninterested in the family or social obligations
• Becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted
• Difficulty in doing tasks such as cooking, bathing, or grooming, and impaired language

What are the Types of Alzheimer’s? 

There are no specific types of Alzheimer’s as it form of dementia. Hence keeping in mind the symptoms of this chronic condition is necessary for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. 

Key Differences Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies 

Several factors put a person at risk of getting dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, some risk factors are outside one's control, such as age and genetic predisposition; others are caused by lifestyle habits and health problems. 

Risk Factors 

• Age: The risk is much higher after 65. 

• Genetics: Family history and genes such as APOE e4 increase the risk. 

• Cardiovascular Health: Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes contribute to cognitive decline. 

• Traumatic Brain Injury: Severe or repeated head injuries increase the risk. 

• Chronic Inflammation: Ongoing inflammation in the brain can damage cells. 

• Sleep Disorders: Poor sleep, including sleep apnea, can lead to cognitive issues. 

• Depression: Untreated mental health issues increase the risk. 

• Lifestyle: Smoking, inadequate diet, not being active and alcoholism will raise the risks. 

Preventive Measures 

Although impossible to completely prevent, dementia and Alzheimer's can be lessened through certain lifestyle changes and habits. 

• Physical Activity: Exercising builds healthy brains that help reduce cardiac risk. 

• Health Diet: Med-diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, fish and healthy fats may promote cognitive functionality. 

• Cognitive Stimulation: Activities such as jigsaw, reading, learning something new etc. 

• Social Engagement: This helps people not to experience social isolation as well as losing cognitive functions. 

• Improve Sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and manage any sleep disorders. 

• Manage Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. 

• Manage Stress: Reduce stress in the brain through relaxation. 

• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both cause cognitive decline. 

• Prevent Brain Injuries: Wear protective gear and prevent falls. 

Adopting these healthy lifestyle habits may reduce your chances of getting dementia and Alzheimer's and ensure the health of the brain. 

Diagnosis Process 

Detecting dementia and Alzheimer's disease is a multi-step process designed to analyse an individual's cognitive functioning and determine the root cause. 

Medical History and Physical Exam 

A medical history including any direct or secondary family history of dementia and a physical examination is performed by health care professionals. 

Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests 

These tests are used to determine memory, problem solving, attention, and language skills; the decline of these skills is usually established using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MMSE). 

Imaging Studies 

Brain changes, strokes, or tumours can be detected using CT or MRI scans. PET scans may display amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's. 

Blood Tests and Biomarkers: 

Blood tests may rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. Biomarkers like low levels of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid help confirm Alzheimer's. 

How are Alzheimer's and Dementia treated?

Several treatment options can overlap for both dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, it is important to remember that while treatment for dementia can help reverse the symptoms, this does not hold for Alzheimer’s.  

Common treatment modalities include: 

Medications 

The most common type of dementia occurs due to Alzheimer’s disease. Here, medications are used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors. One of the drugs used in senile dementia treatment that works by slowing down the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is designed to help the patient form memories and improve their judgment capabilities. It may also delay the worsening symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and subsequently dementia. 

There can be some side effects of taking this drug as well. Patients and their caregivers should research about the side effects before going ahead with their medications. These medications can only be prescribed by a licensed medical professional.  

Non-Drug Therapy 

In the case of frontotemporal dementia treatment, occupational therapy is the best way to manage the symptoms. This type of therapy takes the help of trained dementia caregivers to help the patient get back on their feet by assisting them with understanding how to do their daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating properly. 

Mixed Approach 

Lewy body dementia treatment comprises blood tests, brain scans prescriptions of medications as well as therapy recommendations. 

Identifying Early Signs of Alzheimer's 

Recognising early symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia can help with the timely intervention of these diseases. Although they are similar, sometimes the conditions present with symptoms that are quite subtle and differentiate between them. 

Warning Signs 

• Forgetting recent conversations, events, or appointments 

• Difficulty in daily activities such as cooking or use of appliances 

• Inability to find the appropriate words or having to repeat questions 

• Forgetting dates or being lost in familiar places 

• Bad financial decisions or personal hygiene neglect 

• Unusual mood swings or aversion to usual activities 

• Failure to organise or manage tasks 

• Frequent misplacement of items and inability to trace back step 

When to Seek Help 

• If memory loss or cognitive challenges interfere with daily life. 

• If symptoms seem to worsen over time or new ones appear. 

• If family members notice changes in behaviour or personality that are not typical. 

• If confusion or disorientation occurs frequently or poses safety risks. 

An early approach to finding help can often lead to more accurate diagnosis and access to necessary resources, along with the possibility of planning ahead for future care. Consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the possible causes and treatment options. Early intervention often makes a great difference in their effective management. 

Key Questions for Your Doctor on Alzheimer’s and Dementia 

• What are dementia and Alzheimer's disease's early warning signs and symptoms?  

• Which variables increase the chance of dementia and Alzheimer's disease? 

• Can dementia and Alzheimer's be diagnosed with any tests? 

• Which treatments are available for dementia and Alzheimer's? 

• How can I lower my chance of getting dementia and Alzheimer's? 

FAQ 

Can dementia be reversed? 

There are some conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies, infections, and medication side effects, that are reversible causes of dementia. But most forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, are irreversible and progressive. 

At what age do Alzheimer’s symptoms start? 

Symptoms generally first appear after age 65; however, the early-onset form can strike as early as the 40s or 50s. 

How is dementia diagnosed? 

Medical history, cognitive tests, blood tests, and sometimes through the help of an MRI or CT scan is needed to know what's underlying behind dementia. 

Is Alzheimer's hereditary? 

Most Alzheimer's isn't, though family history might play a part in increased risk. However, a small group of very rare genetic mutations lead to hereditary cases of Alzheimer's.