Alzheimer's and dementia are not the same thing, but the words are often used colloquially as if they were synonymous.

 

Anyone who is diagnosed with dementia by a doctor has basically not received a complete diagnosis. It would be like the doctor diagnosing "pain" without naming the cause of the pain. Without knowing the cause of the dementia, no successful treatment can be given.

 

What is dementia

Dementia is an impairment of thinking and memory that can prevent the person affected from carrying out everyday tasks. Dementia is a symptom and refers to the decline of intellectual abilities caused by a non-specific disease or brain dysfunction.

 

What is Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a disease that causes dementia. There are other diseases that can cause dementia, such as Parkinson's, stroke or even dehydration.

Alzheimer's disease refers to specific microscopic brain abnormalities.