What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia can feel like navigating a maze, especially when so many of us know someone affected by these conditions. We often use the terms interchangeably in everyday conversations, which adds to the confusion.

However, while Alzheimer’s is indeed the most common type of dementia, they are not the same. Dementia is a broad term for a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer's is a specific disease that often leads to dementia. This piece will explain the difference between the two and talk about some other common types of dementia.

Learning about these differences will help us spot signs and decide how to treat them. We will also examine each type's unique traits and progression trends. This information can be very helpful for planning the right kind of care services and solutions.

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease; it's a general term for a group of symptoms that affect the way people remember things, think, and act. These symptoms can get in the way of daily life, and they usually get worse over time.

It has been found that more than 944,000 people in the UK have dementia. In the UK, 1 in 11 people over 65 have dementia. Older people often get dementia, but it's not a normal part of getting older. There are many brain diseases that can cause cognitive decline impacting an individual’s personality, memory, and even their ability to solve problems.

Common symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory problems, such as forgetting recent events or losing things
• Difficulty finding the right words or understanding language
• Changes in mood and behaviour, often leading to confusion
• Problems with planning, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities

Dementia affects everyone differently. Some people may experience memory loss as their first symptom, while others might notice changes in language or behaviour. Dementia symptoms vary depending on the type of brain disorder involved.

While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Each type impacts the brain in unique ways and has different symptoms.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia and the most common one, accounting for around 60-80% of all dementia cases. It’s a progressive neurodegenerative disease meaning it gradually damages nerve cells in the brain over time, leading to cognitive decline. Unlike some other forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s typically starts in the part of the brain associated with memory, which is why memory problems are often an early indicator of the disease.

Although Alzheimer's is not a normal part of getting older, the risk of getting it rises with age. This type of Alzheimer's affects mostly people over the age of 65 and is designated "late onset." Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes happen to younger people too. At least three out of every hundred people in the UK who have Alzheimer's are younger than 65. They are called "young onset" Alzheimer's disease.

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s may include:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), where memory loss is noticeable but doesn’t yet disrupt daily life
• Difficulty recalling recent events or new information
• Struggling to find the right words

As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms emerge, including confusion, significant memory loss, behaviour changes, and language problems. In the later stages, people with Alzheimer’s may lose the ability to carry out everyday activities and require assistance with daily life tasks.

One of the main contributors to Alzheimer’s disease is the build-up of two abnormal proteins in the brain: amyloid and tau. These proteins clump together to form plaques and tangles that interfere with brain cell function and lead to brain damage. Although researchers understand these processes, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unclear, and there is currently no cure. Treatment options, however, can help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

What are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease?

Genetics, lifestyle, and external factors are just some of the many things that can lead to Alzheimer's disease. Here is a more in-depth look at some of the known risk factors and causes:

• Protein buildup: Amyloid and tau proteins build up in the brain, forming plaques and tangles that make it hard for the brain to work and finally kill brain cells.
• Genes: Your family background can be important, especially if someone close to you has had early-onset Alzheimer's.
• Factors in lifestyle: Alzheimer's risk may go up if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, for example.
• Brain changes with age: The brain changes over time, which may make it more likely to get Alzheimer's. But it's important to remember that Alzheimer's is not a normal part of getting older.

This disease can't be cured, but some drugs and changes to the way you live can make some symptoms better or slow its progress. A lot can be done to improve how well Alzheimer's is handled if it is caught early and the right people are around to help.

What are the other common causes of dementia?

Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, it’s far from the only one. Other forms of dementia have unique characteristics, each affecting brain function in distinct ways. Let’s explore some of the other major types of dementia.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This often results from conditions such as cardiovascular disease or small strokes, which damage brain tissue and impair cognitive abilities. People with vascular dementia might experience memory loss, cognitive decline, and difficulties with thinking skills and daily activities. Specific symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected by the reduced blood supply.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that accumulate in the brain. It shares some symptoms with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, making diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include memory problems, cognitive impairment, visual hallucinations, and movement issues. Because of these mixed symptoms, this type of dementia is sometimes called mixed dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for behaviour, language, and personality. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which often starts with memory issues, FTD is typically marked by behaviour changes and language problems. People with FTD may experience personality shifts, struggle to find the right words, or become impulsive. It is more common in younger adults and often affects people in their 40s and 50s.

Mixed Dementia

Mixed dementia refers to a combination of two or more types of dementia. For instance, someone might have both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, resulting in a range of symptoms that reflect both types. This is particularly common in older adults and can complicate diagnosis and treatment due to the overlapping symptoms.

Other causes of dementia

Beyond the types mentioned, there are other, rarer causes of dementia, such as:

• Parkinson’s disease dementia: Occurs in people with Parkinson’s disease, affecting cognitive and physical abilities.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD): A rare, rapidly progressing brain disorder caused by an infectious protein.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Repeated injuries to the brain can lead to dementia-like symptoms.

Each form of dementia has its own risk factors, symptoms and treatment. Getting a diagnosis can reveal which disease you have and what kind of treatment you need. For many, a dementia support line or dementia support forum offers a sense of belonging and practical guidance on how to cope with symptoms.

Conclusion

It is important to know the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease so that you can make the right decisions when it comes time to care for yourself or someone you love. Whereas dementia can encompass a myriad of symptoms and causes, Alzheimer’s is a single neurodegenerative disease that progressively becomes worse. The identification of early symptoms – including slight cognitive loss, behavioural shifts and language difficulties – can be vital in accessing care and setting plans for the future.

When you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia, don’t despair. Tiggo Care provides personalised services to support people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Our loving carers consult with families to ensure that your loved one’s life is made easier by helping with personal care, medications, meals, and appointments.

For more information about Tiggo Care’s support, please contact us today. Be it practical assistance with daily living, or emotional support — Tiggo Care is committed to providing high-quality, individualised care.