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ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference? Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference? Share or Print this page A brain with descriptions on either hemisphere describes the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not. 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. Dementia overview Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills. Many different types of dementia exist, and many conditions cause it. Mixed dementia is a condition in which brain changes of more than one type of dementia occur simultaneously. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behavior and feelings. Take our free e-learning course Our course, Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, outlines the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, symptoms, stages, risk factors and more. Learn more: Risk Factors for Dementia, Symptoms of Dementia, Causes of Dementia, Diagnosis of Dementia and Treatment of Dementia. Alzheimer’s overview Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion and behavior changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing and walking become difficult. Though the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age, the disease is not a normal part of aging. And though most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, approximately 200,000 Americans under 65 are living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more: 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s and the Brain, Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s, Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, 3 Stages of Alzheimer's, Treatment of Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s Research and Progress. Help and support are available If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease. Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Locate your local Alzheimer's Association Explore our Virtual Library Create an action plan using our Alzheimer’s Navigator tool The first survivor of Alzheimer's is out there, but we won't get there without you. Learn how Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain. Don't just hope for a cure. Help us find one. Volunteer for a clinical trial. Keep Up With Alzheimer’s News and Events Email Address ZIP Code DONATEMake a Donation 24/7 HELPLINE 800.272.3900 IN MY AREALocate Resources Home Office 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 Jobs Contact Us Security and Privacy Policy Copyrights and Reprints Pressroom Transparency Select Language © 2021 Alzheimer's Association® | All Rights Reserved | Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.