Is Alzheimer’s the Same as Dementia? Know the Difference

Many people believe that a bit of forgetfulness is typical for older adults and seniors, and we all have moments where we’ve forgotten why we walked into a room or opened the refrigerator, but persistent short-term memory loss is not a normal part of aging.  

The Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are seemingly used interchangeably, and while they’re related, they are distinct terms. 

The biggest difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s is dementia isn’t a specific disease but instead used as an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities including memory, thinking and behavior. The term dementia can include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause or type of dementia – accounting for 60% to 80% of dementia cases – and is estimated to affect more than 6.7 million Americans. That number is expected to rise to nearly 14 million by 2060. But Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It also affects approximately 11.5 million Americans who provide primary care for a loved one who is living with the disease. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition where people lose cognitive function and the ability to react to their environment. There is currently no cure, and the average life expectancy is 4 to 8 years after diagnosis. 

Scientists believe that deposits of proteins, called beta-amyloid plaques, build up in the synapses of a person’s brain. These are the spaces between nerve cells that allow them to interact so a person can think, learn and remember. There is also a buildup of another protein called tau that presents as tangles, further disrupting brain function. The buildup of these proteins gets in the way of proper brain function by blocking the normal way brain cells communicate with each other. They also cause these brain cells to atrophy over time and eventually die. 

Symptoms and Signs of Alzheimer’s

The most common early signs of Alzheimer’s are frequent short-term memory loss and a noticeable increase in difficulty remembering new information. This is because it’s common for the plaques and tangles to first form in the part of the brain that has to do with learning. There are several stages of Alzheimer’s, as the damage to the nerve endings spreads throughout the brain. Over time, symptoms become more severe and can include: 

• Increased confusion 
• Serious memory loss 
• Mood and behavior changes 
• Anger and frustration toward loved ones 
• Eventually difficulty walking, speaking and swallowing 

We Have Experience Dealing with All Types of Dementia

While it’s important to know the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, at Freedom Village, our Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, a nationally recognized, patient-focused memory care ProgramTM ,  is available to all residents, whether they need it now or later. A part of our memory care includes music therapy and art therapy. Occupational therapy has also been shown to help deal with some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. To learn more about our memory care and the programs we provide, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.