Understanding The Difference Between Alzheimer's And Dementia

While Alzheimer’s and dementia are related terms, they have key differences. Being aware of these differences can be important for understanding what to expect if you or a loved one has received a diagnosis, and for promoting awareness of these debilitating diseases even if not. Below, we’ll explore the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, the various types of dementia and the symptoms associated with them, and self-care strategies for coping with an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis.

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The difference between Alzheimer's and dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for various symptoms that can lead to a decline in cognitive ability, including memory, reasoning, decision-making, and other thinking skills. The decline is typically progressive, interfering with daily functioning and eventually causing the person to require full-time care to help with basic tasks. Most types of dementia are eventually fatal.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that results in a loss of memory, thinking skills, and, over time, the inability to perform simple tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is also a type of dementia, since it typically involves symptoms of memory loss, confusion, and other signs of cognitive decline. It causes a shrinkage of the brain and a reduction in brain cells, which is what leads to cognitive symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, with approximately 6.7 million Americans 65 years and older currently living with the disease. That said, it’s also possible for younger individuals to develop the disease—as early as their 30s. This is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and it is relatively rare.

Types of dementia

There are many types of dementia, each with different signs, symptoms, and causes, though all of the following tend to be progressive and manifest as symptoms of cognitive decline in some form. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the more common types of dementia.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second-most common form of dementia behind Alzheimer’s. It occurs as a result of restricted blood flow to the brain—usually the consequence of a stroke, although blood flow also can be interrupted by other things such as blood clots, certain autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, or other metabolic disorders. Both cognitive and motor functions are typically affected by this form of dementia, so common symptoms include things like difficulty with balance, shivering, and memory loss.

Lewy body dementia

Lewy body dementia is a common form of dementia. It happens when protein deposits called Lewy bodies clump up in the brain. This has an effect on the brain regions associated with thinking, memory, and movement. Sometimes, its effects on an individual’s movement can cause tremors. People with Lewy body dementia may also experience visual hallucinations or altering states of alertness. 

Frontotemporal dementia

Due to its impact on the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is often characterized by changes in behavior and personality. The temporal lobe helps you make sense of the world around you, so people with FTD may have difficulty speaking or understanding conversations. The frontal lobe plays an important role in behavior, social skills, and interactions, so people with FTD may also act inappropriately or unusually.

Parkinson's disease dementia

Similarly to Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) is caused by the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain, which in this case are formed by a buildup of the protein alpha-synuclein. Movement issues are one of the early symptoms to appear with PDD, so patients may experience involuntary movements, tremors, or balance issues. As the disease progresses, cognitive abilities such as memory and thinking are usually impacted too. 

Mixed dementia

Mixed dementia is when multiple types of dementia affect the brain. In this case, the disease may progress more quickly. There’s no one set of symptoms for this type, since it depends on the contributions of each type of dementia. Mixed dementia is more common in people over 75.

Self-care after a dementia diagnosis

Some potential early warning signs of dementia may include experiencing short-term memory loss, frequently misplacing things, and the inability to plan simple activities like meals. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms like these, it's recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible. They can do an evaluation to rule out other potential causes of these symptoms. Or, if they provide a diagnosis of dementia, early detection may enable you or your loved one to benefit from different treatments, engage in clinical trials, and plan ahead for the future.

There is currently no cure for dementia. However, certain healthy lifestyle changes may help slow the progression of symptoms and/or increase quality of life. Some examples include:

Caring for your physical health

Research suggests that eating nutrient-dense foods often and getting regular exercise may delay the progression of dementia. That's because these habits can help improve overall brain health, which could slow the decline of memory and thinking skills.

Joining a support group

Engaging with other individuals who are experiencing dementia and sharing support, love, and compassion within the community can be a fulfilling experience. It can also help with emotional difficulties to have connections with people who understand what you’re going through.

Leaning on friends and family 

Leaning on social support in general after a difficult diagnosis can be helpful. Research also suggests that strong social connections may help increase stress resilience, which can be helpful when coping with a difficult illness.

Working toward acceptance

Dementia can be a challenging condition for those diagnosed and for their loved ones. Aiming to cultivate a sense of acceptance may be beneficial for mental and emotional health.

Struggling to cope with a dementia diagnosis? You’re not alone.

Get support from a therapist

Seek online therapy in managing memory loss or related concerns

If you’re having trouble coping with your own or a loved one’s diagnosis, seeking therapy can also be helpful. A therapist can guide you through the process of voicing and addressing challenging emotions, help you work toward acceptance, and support you in building healthy coping mechanisms and reducing stress. For those who can’t regularly travel to and from in-person appointments or would simply feel more comfortable speaking to someone from the comfort of home, online therapy can be a more convenient option worth exploring.

Effectiveness of online therapy

More research still needs to be done to determine the effectiveness of online therapy for people with dementia, but research suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective method of emotional support for caregivers. Studies also indicate that online therapy may be as effective as in-person therapy for addressing symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can affect individuals coping with the illness of a loved one. Regardless of the format you may prefer, compassionate mental health support is available.