Exploring Disease: The Dementia And Alzheimer's Difference

Cognitive decline can manifest in a variety of ways, causing challenges with memory, focus, and daily functioning. There are various causes of cognitive impairment and decline, especially in older age. Two terms often used to describe such cognitive decline are dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding these conditions and the differences between them may be a step toward early prevention of more severe symptoms. 

What is Alzheimer’s brain disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and neurodegenerative disease, impacting over seven million U.S. adults, and it’s projected to affect nearly 13 million people over the age of 65 by 2050. This condition commonly affects people over the age of 65, but in rare cases, it may start earlier in a person’s life. 

Alzheimer’s is thought to be caused by plaques and tangles in the brain that kill nerve cells over time, causing a progressive decline in cognitive function. Plaques involve deposits of beta-amyloid proteins between nerve cells. Tangles are twisted tau proteins that can build up in brain cells and cause decline. Researchers believe that over time, more of these proteins reduce a person’s ability to think, speak, remember, and move.

Common symptoms of Alzheimer's brain disease

The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include the following: 

• Memory loss 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• A loss of recognition for familiar names, people, and places 
• Difficulty learning new information 
• Slow thinking and speech
• Slowed movement and difficulty swallowing, walking, or talking (in severe and late stages) 
• Difficulty solving problems
• Confusion
• Wandering
• A lack of spatial awareness
• Poor judgment
• Social withdrawal and mood swings

As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may have more severe symptoms and require constant support and monitoring to ensure they do not wander off or become confused and harm themselves. (remove entire sentence as illogical, incomplete thought – ‘Alzheimer’s, often due to infection or an inability to breathe, eat, or move.’) Hospice care may be required for those with late-stage Alzheimer’s. Loved ones may also offer caregiving to people with this condition. 

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, although certain medical treatments may slow progression or help people manage more severe symptoms. Early prevention and treatment efforts may help supporting people for a more extended period. 

What is cognitive dementia? 

Some people believe that dementia is one specific disease. However, dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of metabolic and progressive cognitive disorders that impact cognitive functioning. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. However, there are several other types, including but not limited to: 

• Vascular dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Huntington’s disease 
• Mixed dementia 

Treatments and research on dementia and cognitive impairment

Although there is no cure for dementia, certain treatments may provide valuable support. In addition, current research is looking at potential options for individuals seeking support. Those who would be interested in joining research efforts and clinical trials may do so through the Alzheimer’s Association, which is frequently seeking participation in accelerating research. 

Are Alzheimer's and dementia the same disease? 

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, but dementia is not the same as Alzheimer’s, as there are multiple forms of this condition. The two terms might sometimes be used interchangeably if a person is living with Alzheimer’s. However, when talking about individuals with any type of cognitive decline, it may be best to use the term “dementia” until you learn more about what type of dementia they are living with. 

Other types of dementia 

Other types of dementia can cause symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s but have different risk factors, causes, and impacts. Below are four of these types.  

Dementia with Lewy bodies

According to the National Institute on Aging, Lewy body dementia (LBD) is associated with abnormal alpha-synuclein deposits in the brain. These proteins cause challenges related to cognition, behavior, movement, and mood. This form of dementia is one of the most common types, affecting over one million people in the United States. This condition typically impacts people over 50 but can appear in younger adults. Lewy body dementia progresses rapidly, often lasting five to eight years until death. 

Parkinson’s disease dementia

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder but can sometimes cause dementia. This form of dementia may start showing signs about a year after an initial Parkinson’s diagnosis. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s disease dementia occurs in a part of the brain that impacts movement. People with this condition may experience tremors, shakiness, muscle stiffness, differing posture, and difficulty with facial expressions. As the disease spreads, it can also affect focus, memory, judgment, and planning. 

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia and is caused by changes in blood flow to the brain. This condition often occurs alongside Alzheimer’s disease. When both conditions occur at the same time, an individual may be diagnosed with “mixed dementia,” a term used to describe multiple forms of dementia at once. 

Vascular dementia has symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s but a different cause. Below are some of these dementia symptoms: 

• Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as working, paying bills, or practicing hygiene
• Difficulty learning new information
• Memory problems
• A tendency to misplace items
• Difficulty reading and writing 
• Changes in personality
• Mood swings
• Agitation 
• Hallucinations or delusions 
• Difficulty exercising judgment and perceiving danger 
• A tendency to get lost frequently 

Vascular dementia might be managed with medications to prevent strokes. In addition, medications used for Alzheimer’s may be beneficial in preventing symptom progression when used early in the disease’s progression. People with vascular dementia tend to be at a higher risk of brain complications like strokes. 

Frontotemporal lobe dementia

The National Institute on Aging reports that frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD) is a rarer form of dementia caused by damaged neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. This condition often develops between the ages of 45 and 65 and tends to cause difficulty with behavior, planning, communication, and movement. Individuals with this condition may also have personality and behavioral challenges. 

How to find support for dementia

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, early intervention can reduce the chances of quick progression and may reduce symptom severity. Below are a couple of options for coping with dementia in its early stages and finding support. 

Talk to your doctor about memory issues

When individuals first notice symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, they can reach out to their doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan early on. People with dementia may be at risk for other medical conditions, including heart and brain diseases. For this reason, medication may be prescribed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. 

Certain medications may slow Alzheimer’s progression or be used for other forms of dementia. It may help to talk to your doctor about which medications are proper for you and how to plan for the progression of your condition over time. Do not start, change, or stop a medication without consulting a medical doctor. 

Therapy for coping with dementia and confusion

For some people, the mental impact of being diagnosed with dementia or caring for a loved one with the condition can be overwhelming. Dementia can cause depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress. Caregivers may experience compassion fatigue, which can come from burnout and long-term stress. 

However, it can be difficult for some people to obtain mental health services in their area, especially when they experience confusion or have to care for someone with dementia. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more convenient. Through an online platform, clients can choose a session time that works for them, including outside of standard business hours. In addition, people can attend therapy from home via phone, video, or live chat sessions. 

Studies show that online therapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. In one report published in 2018, researchers determined that internet-based interventions were effective in reducing symptoms of these conditions and improving quality of life.