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Two related terms

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

They are related, but they are not synonyms.

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Dementia

describes cognitive changes that interfere with independent everyday functioning. It is a clinical state, not one disease.

Alzheimer’s disease

is a biological disease and the most common cause of dementia. It is not the only cause.

Lewy body disease, frontotemporal degeneration, vascular brain injury, and combinations of more than one process can also cause dementia. A clinician may be confident that a dementia syndrome is present while still working to understand its exact cause.

The useful next questionWhat do you think is causing the dementia?

Symptoms, safety, support, and follow-up can still be addressed while the cause is being clarified.