What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

While the two terms are often confused, understanding what is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia can help families get the right diagnosis, plan care earlier and make informed decisions about care.

At a glance

• Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms.
• Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. Some forms progress faster or present different challenges, but all types of dementia require care.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
• Understanding the difference helps families plan appropriate care.

If you, a friend or a family member starts to experience memory loss or confusion, you may hear the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s disease used. While they are closely related, they are not the same thing.

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but a syndrome (group of symptoms) caused by various conditions that damage the brain.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe symptoms affecting memory and  thinking.

Symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss affecting daily life.
• Difficulty concentrating or reasoning.
• Problems with language and communication.
• Confusion about time or place.
• Changes in mood, behaviour, or personality.

Dementia is progressive, meaning symptoms typically worsen over time.

Types of dementia

There are several types of dementia, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Vascular dementia.
• Lewy body dementia.
• Frontotemporal dementia.
• Mixed dementia (a combination of more than one type).

Can someone have dementia without Alzheimer’s?

Yes. Many people have non-Alzheimer’s dementia, (e.g. vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and Frontotemporal dementia). This is why an accurate diagnosis is important, as symptoms and care needs can differ.

Each type of dementia affects the brain differently and may require different approaches to care.

You can read about common and rare types of dementia here. 

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s is a disease which damages the brain.

It begins in the brain years before symptoms show. 

Alzheimer’s disease develops when abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) build up in the brain, damaging brain cells and disrupting communication between them.

Alzheimer’s causes progressive brain cell damage, leading to worsening memory loss, confusion and changes in behaviour over time.

Alzheimer’s symptoms

Common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:

• Memory issues such as forgetting recent conversations or events. Misplacing items. Struggling to retrace steps.
• Thinking and reasoning issues such as difficulty planning or making decisions.
• Language problems
• Changes in mood.
• Changes to how you see and hear things Repeating questions.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, symptoms become more severe and may include:

• Significant memory loss.
• Problems recognising loved ones.
• Changes in behaviour or personality.
• Loss of ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Alzheimer’s disease vs dementia

Dementia is a group of symptoms (syndrome). Alzheimer’s disease is a disease in the brain.

All Alzheimer’s is dementia but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s.

Key differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Question	Dementia	Alzheimer’s
What is it?	A syndrome (set of symptoms)	A specific disease
Is it a diagnosis?	Sometimes	Yes
What is the main cause?	Various brain conditions	Brain cell damage from protein build-up

How are Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosed?

In the early stages, it may not always be clear which type of dementia someone has. Doctors may update the diagnosis as symptoms progress.

Diagnosis usually involves:

• Blood tests to rule out other treatable conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
• Urine tests to rule out other conditions.
• Cognitive tests (also called mental ability tests or cognitive assessments) to examine your mental ability.

This can include question and answer tests to see if your brain function is impaired):

– General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) test.

– Six Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) six questions.

– Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) 30 questions.

– Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

– Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE III).

• Brain scans. This can include a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, Computed tomography (CT) scan, Single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) scan or a Electroencephalography (EEG) scan.
• There is also free online Cognitive Function test to help identify those at risk of dementia.
• Genetic testing. If many people in your family have or had dementia, your doctor may refer you for genetic testing.

Alzheimer’s Society states ‘It is very important for anyone who has worsening problems with their memory or thinking to be assessed by a health professional, which is most often their GP. If a GP thinks their symptoms may be caused by dementia, they will refer the person to a local memory service for more detailed assessment.’

Is Alzheimer’s worse than dementia?

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. Some forms progress faster or present different challenges, but all types of dementia are serious and require care.

Is memory loss always Alzheimer’s?

No memory loss is not always because of Alzheimer’s. Memory loss can have many causes including stress, depression, medication, or other types of dementia.

Why is knowing the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s important?

Knowing whether someone has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia helps:

• Tailor care plans to specific needs.
• Manage symptoms more effectively.
• Plan for future care, including residential or nursing care.
• Support family members and carers emotionally and practically.

Many care homes specialise in dementia care and may also offer dedicated Alzheimer’s support, including trained staff.

When should you consider a dementia care home?

You may want to explore dementia or Alzheimer’s care if:

• Daily living becomes difficult or unsafe.
• Behavioural changes increase.
• A person needs supervision or specialist support.
• Family carers need additional help.

If you’re exploring care options for a loved one, want to find a good dementia care homes near you, read care home reviews and get the right support, you can search carehome.co.uk.

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