ASL - Alzheimer’s Disease vs. Dementia: What’s the Difference?

In brief, dementia is a broad term used to describe a collection of symptoms. Changes in brain function cause the symptoms, which are severe enough to affect daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 75 percent of dementia cases, which is why the words are often used interchangeably. 

Imagine that a child has a runny nose. A runny nose is not a specific disease or condition; it is just a symptom. There are many potential reasons for the runny nose. It might be caused by influenza, a sinus infection or a reaction to being outside in the cold for too long. In the same way, dementia is not a specific disease, and there are several reasons a person may exhibit dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease. 

Dementia progression 
Across many forms, the disease typically begins subtly and often exhibits a gradual progression that may include: 

A compromised ability to perform complex tasks. This includes taking initiative, concentrating, sequencing and multitasking. 

Short-term memory loss, such as forgetting common words, names or locations of familiar places and items used on a daily basis. 

In later stages, activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating become more difficult. Later stages might also include changes in language and personality. 

In addition to the symptoms and progression noted above, there are other symptoms that help physicians specify which type of dementia someone has. 

For example, someone with Lewy body dementia might experience visual hallucinations, stiffness and slowness of movement, tremors or night terrors, including acting out dreams.  Someone with frontotemporal dementia might express inappropriate social or sexual behavior and more personality, behavior and speech problems than someone with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Differing diagnoses 

There is no test to definitively confirm the presence of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. But once symptoms begin to appear, physicians can administer tests to determine what the cause might be. 

If you are concerned you are experiencing signs of dementia, it is important to get an evaluation. Your symptoms may have a reversible cause such as an infection, a vitamin deficiency or untreated anxiety or depression. If you have a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, early identification allows for the best possible intervention and treatment, clinical study participation, social support and future planning. 

The University of Michigan Cognitive Disorders Program is one specialty clinic that offers comprehensive evaluations. Visit the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center website to learn more about memory, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. To schedule an appointment at the U-M Cognitive Disorders clinic, call 734-764-6831. Ask your primary care physician for a referral. 

healthblog.uofmhealth.org/brain-health/alzheimers-disease-vs-dementia-whats-difference

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