Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?
In summary, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a collection of symptoms (cognitive, functional and behavioral) that are caused by specific diseases. Alzheimer's disease is the most common disease that causes dementia, but Frontotemporal degeneration, Lewy Body disease, Vascular disease can all cause symptoms of dementia. Not all cognitive decline is considered dementia, dementia must be driven by an underlying progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Learning about the two terms and the difference between them is important and can empower individuals living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, their families and their caregivers with necessary knowledge.