Are Alzheimer’s and Dementia Related?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are related but different. Alzheimer’s Disease is a very specific brain disease that may cause dementia symptoms like a decline in memory, reasoning, or other cognitive skills. Alzheimer’s patients account for most dementia cases, which is why there is frequently confusion about whether dementia is the same thing as Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Dementia is a group of symptoms, and there are different types of dementia and situations or conditions it occurs as a part of. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease are just a few of the medical conditions that dementia can occur with.

Dementia symptoms include cognitive and psychological changes. Cognitive changes like memory loss, trouble communicating, difficulty reasoning, trouble handling complex tasks, difficulties with coordination and motor function, and confusion and disorientation can occur with dementia. Psychological symptoms like paranoia, agitation, anxiety, personality changes, hallucinations, and inappropriate behavior may be present.

Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which interferes with the ability of the brain cells to communicate with one another. When brain cells can’t communicate normally, this interferes with thinking, behavior, and emotions.

Different parts of the brain are impacted depending on the underlying cause of dementia. Since different areas of the brain and different cells in those areas can be impacted according to what medical condition may be at the root of dementia, symptoms can vary.

There isn’t a specific test to determine if someone has dementia. A medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and behavior assessment, and interviews with family members may be conducted to help doctors diagnose dementia or related conditions.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one and have questions about symptoms that you believe may be related to dementia, visit your primary care physician. They may refer you to a specialist for advanced testing and diagnosis. If you’re caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, seeking support from a mental health professional to navigate your role as a caretaker can be helpful. You can also contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24 hour Helpline at 800-272-3900.