To explain the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia we first need to understand that Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia. The difference therein falls between whether or not it is Dementia or Senile Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (SDAT).
Senile Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type
It is the most commonly recognized form and the most advanced. SDAT is incurable, degenerative and terminal. Alzheimer’s generally affects the elderly population age 65 and over, but there is a form of early onset AD that can begin in the teenage years or more commonly in the 30’s.
Progression of AD is as unique as each individual. The common symptoms are often mistaken as those of advancing age or stress related; memory loss and difficulty recalling facts and learned abilities, irritability, aggression and mood swings. As the condition advances these symptoms worsen and there is a breakdown of communication ability, long term memory loss and confusion. As bodily functions decline and are lost this leads to death.
There are indications that the disease is caused by plaque and tangles within the brain. But little is known about the progression and no cure or ways to slow the progression have been developed. There are treatments that offer relief of some of the symptoms.
Dementia
Dementia is a group of symptoms collectively, rather than a disease. With this group of symptoms there is a decline in cognitive and intellectual function and there is a gradual loss of brain function. The onset of these symptoms can result strictly from the aging process or be a result of brain injury, brain disease, and hormone and vitamin imbalances or in relation to drug or alcohol abuse.
It is characterized by memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality, mood and behavior, difficulties with speech and understanding and an increasing dependence on others for activities of daily living. The diagnosis is only made when the loss of mental functions is so severe that it interferes with an individual’s daily living for a minimal period of 6 months.
Dementia symptoms are classified as either irreversible or reversible. This classification is dependent on the cause of the disease. If the dementia is the result of hormone or vitamin imbalance, correction of this should reverse the symptoms. Brain injury or the aging process cannot be reversed.
Distinguishing the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia
These two conditions are commonly confused. AD is a disease which causes a deterioration of the brain tissue. This leads to a decline in cognitive and social ability and abilities needed to function in our daily life. AD affects people age 65 and over. The cause of AD is not known, but it is considered by many scientists to be caused by genetic and biological factors. Dementia is a group of symptoms that cause memory loss and lead to other mental impairments which impede a person’s ability to perform their daily functions independently. It is usually caused either by the aging process or by an identifiable, sometimes reversible condition.
Diagnosing between Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The trained physician will interview the patient and the family of the patient asking questions about levels of functioning, memory, personality, judgment ability, speech and language and the ability to interact within the patient’s environment. Some of the questions that are asked are about symptoms that would not be typical in someone with Alzheimer’s, while others are common in people with Alzheimer’s. After the history and examination the doctor may order radiological studies such as an MRI or a CT scan to further aid in the diagnosis or to help rule out the disease.
Much of the diagnosis process is to rule out other causes of the dementia such as other disease processes or head traumas that may have brought about dementia symptoms.
It is Important that the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia be Distinguished for Proper Treatment
Although it is very difficult to diagnosis Alzheimer’s it is imperative for proper treatment. For example if the dementia is caused by another condition such as Parkinson’s disease the treatment may be different. Dementia can also be an effect of aging, or the result of head trauma and other conditions. Determining the cause of the dementia is imperative for the physician to both counsel the family and the patient and to develop an effective plan of treatment for minimizing the effects of the disease and helping the family and patient cope with the process of the disease.
Alzheimer’s is by definition a type of dementia. Sometimes it is very difficult to determine the cause of dementia but a diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean that Alzheimer’s disease is the culprit.
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November 3rd, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Hello Carl Johnson,
You should see the doctor for further evaluations, as I know too little about your bewildering disease.
(I guessed CJ?) 
October 6th, 2011 at 5:55 am
I have a problem that is mind goes blank for seconds or 1 minute. Secondly every minute I will looking for something which I forget within seconds. Sometime when I am going to take something as go to the place I cannot recall what I wanted to do. This has been with me when I was young. My son is 29 years old and faces the same problem. It was with him when he was in the teen.
My ambition was to be medical doctor. However in school I just cannot remember what was been taught. My mind easily wanders and there will be a cinema going on my mind.
The other thing even if I sleep for 10 hours still not enough want to sleep more.
When people are talking I cannot keep focussed because my thoughts are going elsewhere.
Can you tell me what kind of problem I am facing.
How can I get it treated.
Pl do not publish my name. I am embarrased