What's the difference between Dementia & Alzheimer's?

If you’re confused about the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s then you’re not alone. Google receives thousands of searches each month from people seeking the answer to this question, many of whom have a loved one showing symptoms of memory loss.

What are the symptoms of Dementia?

Early symptoms of Dementia can be easily overlooked due to the fact that they are often only mild. These symptoms can consist of the following:

• Becoming lost in a familiar setting
• Struggling to keep track of the time
• Having episodes of forgetfulness

The forgetfulness and confusion grow as Dementia advances, as well as a person’s ability to take care of themselves. It is not uncommon for a person suffering with Dementia to develop challenging behaviours such as verbal and physical aggression over time.

Are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s any different?

Many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease coincide with the ones of Dementia which contributes to people’s difficulty in distinguishing between the two.

Common signs of Alzheimer’s Disease include:

• Impaired judgment
• Behaviour changes
• Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events
• Depression
• Disorientation

Is it possible for younger people to get Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease?

As we age, our risk of contracting dementia heightens. However, although not as common, it is still possible for younger people to develop the syndrome. This is known as early-onset dementia.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in most cases begin after a person turns 60 years old. Similarly to dementia, younger people can also develop the disease. For people over the age of 80, the time from diagnosis to death can be as little as 3 years. On the other hand, younger sufferers can live with the disease for a lot longer.

Can anything be done to slow or prevent dementia?

Dementia can be treated by treating the condition that is causing dementia. The treatment depends on the exact cause and type of dementia the individual has. A lot of the treatments for dementia overlap with the ones used for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is treated through medication to relieve the symptoms. Medications prescribed to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease help improve: sleep, depression, memory loss and behavioural changes.

Research suggests that oral turmeric supplements may help to prevent dementia & Alzheimer's disease. Curcuminoids help to reduce beta-amyloid plaque buildup on the brain and reduce neuroinflammation, both of which are linked to Alzheimer's development.

Did you know that some forms of dementia are reversible but Alzheimer’s is not?

Dementia can be reversible, or even temporary in some cases but only if the cause was due to drugs, hormone or vitamin imbalances, depression, or alcohol. However, Alzheimers is unfortunately irreversible and permanent at this time.

What different types of dementia are there?

To further clarify the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's, it's helpful to know that there are various types of dementia, with Alzheimer's being the most prevalent.

Alzheimer's disease - This is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. Symptoms typically begin with mild memory loss and progress to include difficulty with language, problem-solving, and thinking.

Frontotemporal dementia - This type of dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control behavior, personality, and language. Symptoms often include changes in personality, behavior, and language, as well as difficulty with planning and decision-making.

Vascular dementia - This is the second most common type of dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This can be due to a stroke, a series of mini-strokes, or other conditions that damage blood vessels. Symptoms can vary depending on the affected area of the brain but often include problems with memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Lewy body dementia - This type of dementia is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. ¹ These deposits affect chemicals in the brain, leading to problems with thinking, memory, movement, and behavior. People with Lewy body dementia may experience visual hallucinations and fluctuations in their alertness.

Mixed dementia - This term is used when someone has more than one type of dementia. A common combination is Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Symptoms will vary depending on the types of dementia present.

Recognising the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's empowers individuals to seek appropriate support and care.