Have you ever asked yourself what is the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? If you have, this article is for you because we will first define these two different illnesses. Then after a brief definition we will discuss the differences. By the end of this article, you should be able to articulate how these illnesses are different and how they are not the same. 

   This statement should become clear: All people who have Alzheimer’s have a form of dementia but not all people who have dementia have Alzheimer's. Dementia is an umbrella term that includes symptoms Alzheimer's does not have. So, a person could have a form of Dementia that has nothing to do with Alzheimer's even though these illnesses are closely related.

STILL CONFUSED? HERE ARE DEFINITIONS OF BOTH ILLNESSES.

  Dementia is a condition characterized by progressive or persistent loss of intellectual functioning, especially with impairment of memory and abstract thinking, and often with personality change, resulting from organic disease of the brain.

   Alzheimer’s is defined as progressive mental deterioration of the brain that occurs as individuals age over time. Moreover, it is a neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. Alzheimer's disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.

HERE IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE

   Dementia is a General or Umbrella term describing multiple illnesse(s).

   Alzheimer's is a specific brain disease. 

THEY ARE NOT THE SAME 

   Here is an example to further explain the differences. You go to your doctor complaining of shortness of breath. Now there are multiple reasons for having shortness of breath like asthma, heart condition, or anxiety. Your doctor will then narrow down which reason is causing your shortness of breath, asthma, heart condition, or anxiety. In the previous example “shortness of breath” would be the general term “dementia” and the specific condition of “asthma” would be “Alzheimer’s.” 

   Hopefully it has become clear to you that a person can have the general illness of dementia and not have the specific illness of Alzheimer’s. Just like a person having the general illness of “shortness of breath” and may not have the specific illness of “asthma.”  Please feel free to comment below or feel free to email us any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

For further information, here are some helpful links

   Alzheimer's difference: Click Here

   Differences: Click Here  

   Dementia: Click Here

Alzheimer's: Click Here