What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia can be unsettling, and is bound to lead to a lot of questions. Whether it’s for yourself or for a loved one, it’s normal to want to understand more, including finding out what symptoms to expect. A common question people ask is: “are dementia and Alzheimer’s the same thing?” 

In this blog, we’ll be exploring this, and some other common questions surrounding dementia and Alzheimer’s to help you make better sense of a loved one’s symptoms and feel more confident about the road ahead.

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the symptoms that occur when our brain is affected by different diseases and conditions. 

Every type of dementia has its own set of characteristics, and affects the brain in a different way. This makes learning about them valuable, because it becomes easier to spot early signs and symptoms, as well as knowing what to expect. 

What are the different types of dementia?

There are over 100 different types of dementia, with some being more common than others (like Alzheimer’s), and some being rarer and therefore harder to diagnose. Types of dementia include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Lewy body dementia (LBD)
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
• Mixed dementia (one or more type combined)
• Korsakoff syndrome
• Huntington’s disease
• Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA)
• Corticobasal syndrome (CBS)
• Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

What is Alzheimer’s?

The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s, is caused by abnormal protein ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’ building up in the brain. These plaques and tangles are thought to damage brain cells and disrupt chemical messages. 

Early signs and symptoms can include difficulty finding words, memory lapses (especially for recent events), low mood, and anxiety.

What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Here’s the simplest way to understand the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s:

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by different diseases and conditions. 

Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that causes those symptoms, and is the most common cause of dementia.

In other words, not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s, but everyone with Alzheimer’s has dementia.

What are the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s?

While many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s overlap with those of other types of dementia, there are some nuances as outlined by the NHS:

Symptoms of dementia: memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, struggling with daily activities, changes in behaviour or mood.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s: memory problems usually appear first, followed by difficulties with reasoning, disorientation, changes in mood, and eventually more advanced issues such as swallowing difficulties and sometimes hallucinations.

It’s also worth noting that other types of dementia may look different in their early stages. For example, frontotemporal dementia often begins with personality or behavioural changes rather than memory loss.

What are the treatments for Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Both dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive conditions, which means symptoms worsen over time. Right now, there is no cure. However, treatments, therapies, and lifestyle approaches can ease symptoms, slow progression, and improve quality of life.

Support may include:

• Medication that can help to support memory and thinking
• Practical help with daily living, like live in care 
• Emotional support for both the individual and their family
• Activities that stimulate the mind and body, as well as those that promote social connection

Why understanding the difference matters

For families learning about a new diagnosis, the words Alzheimer’s and dementia can feel overwhelming. However, understanding the distinction between them can make conversations with doctors clearer, help you access the right information, and ensure your loved one gets the support they need.

It can also remind us that while there may not be a cure, there is always care. Because, with the right support, people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s can continue to find joy, connection, and purpose in everyday life.

If you would like to learn more about your care options for a loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, take a look at our home care and live in care services, or speak to our friendly team. 

Or, you can explore more questions about dementia in our previous blog, Navigating dementia care: your frequently asked questions.