Difference between dementia and Alzheimer's: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment strategies

Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, but there are many other types of dementia with different underlying causes and prevalence rates. (Image: Canva)

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are terms often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. Dementia is a broad syndrome that encompasses a range of cognitive impairments affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for a significant majority of cases. It is a progressive neurological disorder characterised by specific brain changes involving the buildup of abnormal proteins and the gradual loss of nerve cells and brain tissue.

Dr Sanjay Srinivasan, senior neurologist at Felix hospital, Indirapuram, lists down the key differences between dementia and Alzheimer.

Dementia

Definition: Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease, but a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions.

Causes: Dementia can result from different diseases or conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia (due to impaired blood flow to the brain), Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and others.

Symptoms: Symptoms of dementia can vary widely but often include memory loss, difficulty with communication and language, impaired judgment, disorientation, and changes in mood and behaviour.

Alzheimer's disease

Definition: Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking skills, and behaviour.

Causes: Alzheimer's disease is characterised by specific brain changes involving the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles. These changes lead to the death of nerve cells and the shrinkage of brain tissue over time.

Symptoms: Early symptoms typically involve difficulty remembering recent conversations, names, or events (short-term memory loss). As the disease progresses, individuals may experience more severe memory impairment, confusion, disorientation, changes in behaviour and personality, and difficulties with speech, swallowing, and mobility in later stages.

Key differences

Scope: Dementia is a broader term encompassing various cognitive impairments caused by different conditions, whereas Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia with distinct pathological changes in the brain.

Underlying pathology: Alzheimer's disease is characterised by specific brain changes involving beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, which are not necessarily present in other types of dementia.

Prevalence: Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, but there are many other types of dementia with different underlying causes and prevalence rates.

Progression: Alzheimer's disease typically progresses slowly over several years, starting with mild memory problems and advancing to more severe cognitive and functional impairment. Other types of dementia may progress differently depending on their cause.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis: Both dementia and Alzheimer's disease are diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes medical history, physical examination, neurological tests, and cognitive assessments.

Treatment: While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or most forms of dementia, treatments focus on managing symptoms, slowing progression (in some cases), and improving quality of life. This may involve medications, cognitive stimulation therapies, lifestyle modifications, and support services for caregivers and patients.

Understanding these differences helps in early recognition, appropriate management, and planning for individuals affected by dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Seeking medical advice for accurate diagnosis and personalized care is essential for management of these conditions.