Pertaining to memory loss, when is a condition considered Alzheimer’s or Dementia? Further, what’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? We answer this popular question and more in this blog.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

With the emergence of clinical research and even mainstream DNA genetic testing (such as 23 and Me) many have discovered they have a genetically predisposed risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and memory loss. Alzheimer’s is considered a progressive disease that slowly deteriorates memory and even brain function, progressing in severity overtime. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s Disease is very common, with over 3 million diagnosis recorded on average each year in the United States. Memory loss and confusion are the two most recognizable/common symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

The average age of onset is around 60 years old, however rare cases have known to begin earlier. A person with Alzheimer’s Disease may begin forgetting routine tasks and memories they normally would remember. As time goes on and symptoms progress, this person may forget names of loved ones or familiar surroundings, and cognitively struggle to perform tasks they once could without hindrance. In the case of Alzheimer’s Disease, this level of memory loss will affect a persons all-around lifestyle.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is characterized by a progressive and continuous loss of mental functioning, with declining intellectual characteristics more prevalent and severe then one with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Along with memory loss, judgement is also significantly impaired, with daily tasking/functioning more severely hindered to the point where living assistance might be needed. Unlike Alzheimer’s (which is a diagnosed brain disease), Dementia is more of an umbrella term attributed with one who experiences these worsening symptoms. While treatment can help, Dementia can unfortunately not be cured. Common symptoms of Dementia include:

• Memory loss which is usually not self-recognized.
• Difficulty with daily planning, organizing and tasking.
• Difficulty with visual reasoning and spatial reasoning.
• Intellectual decline overtime, accompanied by communicative difficulties.
• Inability to speak or understand language (as symptoms progress).
• High anxiety, mood swings and nervousness.

Alzheimer’s or Dementia – What’s the Difference?

If you or a loved one are suffering from mental decline accompanied by memory loss, you may wonder if it’s Alzheimer’s or Dementia. To gain a professional diagnosis, it’s always important consult with your family doctor or a specialist. With that said, here’s some identifiers to help you understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

• Alzheimer’s is classified as a brain disease, while Dementia is a general term for memory loss, cognitive decline and accompanying behaviors.
• Alzheimer’s can actually cause and lead to Dementia overtime should symptoms progress, which is actually a common occurrence.
• Dementia is not considered a “normal” part of aging, as damaged brain cells hinder one’s ability to communicate affectively.
• While there are two forms of Alzheimer’s (early and late onset), there are various types of Dementia, some of which can occur simultaneously.
• There are similar symptoms associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s and progressive Dementia.

Here’s a helpful graphic contrasting behavioral examples of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia and “typical age-related changes”, retrieved from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Image Credit: The Alzheimer’s Association