Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are terms often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. According to a psychologist specializing in cognitive health, understanding the distinction is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective care.
Dementia is a broad umbrella term describing a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses a variety of symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty with communication, impaired reasoning, and changes in behavior. These symptoms result from damage to brain cells caused by different diseases or conditions.
Alzheimer’s disease, however, is the most common type of dementia, responsible for approximately 60 to 70% of all cases. It is a specific neurological disorder characterized by progressive brain changes, including the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which lead to the gradual erosion of memory and cognitive skills.
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While all Alzheimer’s patients have dementia, not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s. Other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, each with distinct causes and symptoms.
Recognizing these differences is vital for treatments and support strategies tailored to the individual, improving quality of life for those affected.