What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a number of progressive neurological disorders that impair cognitive function beyond what is expected with normal ageing. While  not a disease in itself, the term is often used to describe a number of cognitive symptoms impacting a person’s memory, reasoning skills, and ability to perform daily activities. Eventually this advances to a level where the person may struggle to perform basic daily tasks, experience personality and behavioural changes, and suffer from more extreme memory loss symptoms.A person with dementia will have deterioration in certain regions of their brain, causing some of the neurons to become damaged. This leads to messages within the brain not being efficiently conveyed, impairing certain bodily functions as a result. Although this may begin as minor symptoms that are unnoticeable to family and friends, over time they can progress and become more severe.  The signs and symptoms of dementia will always depend on the specific areas of the brain affected, the type of dementia someone has, and the rate at which the brain is deteriorating. However, some of the most common symptoms experienced may include:  

• Memory loss – Forgetfulness, misplacing items, having no memory of recent events, forgetting names, forgetting where they live, and more
• Communication issues – Struggling to find the right words or express themselves effectively
• Impaired decision making – Difficulty using judgement, planning, making decisions, assessing risk factors, organising things or solving problems
• Mood and personality changes – Changes in mood, such as increased irritability, anger, anxiety or depression
• Lack of interest – Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, avoiding social gatherings, or losing interest in hobbies
• Struggles with daily tasks – Difficulty getting washed and dressed, cooking dinner, or keeping the house tidy

Some symptoms may appear early, while others will occur later in the progression of the condition, and become worse over time. Ultimately, a person with dementia will need help with everyday activities, and eventually home care (or another form of care) may be required. The risk factors differ for each form of dementia, but age is thought to be the primary risk factor for the condition, as it is most common in those over 65 years old. Other risk factors that can influence the development of dementia include smoking, diet, exercise, physical health, and more. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently around 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia, and this is predicted to rise to 1.6 million by 2040, so understanding the condition is important in order to offer appropriate care and support. 

What forms of dementia are there, and how does Alzheimer’s disease differ?

Alzheimer’s is technically named ‘Alzheimer’s disease dementia’, but most people (even healthcare professionals) refer to it as simply Alzheimer’s disease, which may be where confusion lies about its distinction from other types of dementia. There are many forms of dementia, both common types and rarer variations, but Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia existing around the world. It can be challenging to distinguish between different forms of dementia due to their similar symptoms, and in fact it can be difficult to definitively diagnose dementia at all in a living person. However, certain characteristics of each type of dementia – including Alzheimer’s disease – can help doctors and experts to tell them apart. Below are the most common forms of dementia in the UK, and how their individual characteristics may lead to a diagnosis of this particular type of dementia. 

Vascular dementia

After Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, and it affects an estimated 150,000 people in the UK. It is different from Alzheimer’s as it is thought to be caused by interruptions in the flow of blood vessels and oxygen in the brain, which means symptoms may be determined by the location and size of vascular changes. While the symptoms of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can look very similar, such as memory, cognition and behavioural issues, the nature of how vascular dementia impacts the brain sets it apart from Alzheimer’s disease, as well as its risk factors being cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or stroke. Also, in Alzheimer’s disease there may be a genetic risk at play, while this is not thought to be the case for vascular dementia. You can read more about this type of dementia in our guide to understanding vascular dementia.

Lewy body dementia (LBD)

Lewy body dementia is known to be the third most common type of dementia, affecting around 10-15% of dementia cases, which is an estimated 100,000 people in the UK. Again, this type can cause extremely similar symptoms to those found in Alzheimer’s disease, which often leads to misdiagnosis. This type of dementia can be categorised into two subtypes, which are dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson’s disease, and can be characterised by abnormal clumps of protein gathered inside cells in the brain, causing a number of unique symptoms. These might include hallucinations, fluctuations in alertness, difficulty with movement, and sleep disturbances, which tend to affect up to 90% of those with Lewy body dementia, as opposed to the 40% who experience sleep disturbances in cases of Alzheimer’s disease. You can read more about this type of dementia in our guide to understanding the 7 stages of Lewy Body dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is not as common as the aforementioned types of dementia, but it is estimated to affect around 31,000 people in the UK, which is around 1 in 30 cases of dementia, so it is certainly worth mentioning here. It is thought to be most common in younger age groups, primarily between ages 40 and 60, which differs from Alzheimer’s, which is normally found in those aged 65 and over. Frontotemporal dementia causes issues in the frontal and temporal lobes within the brain, and this is thought to be caused by a buildup of proteins there. As these regions of the brain are responsible for things like personality, behaviour, language and speech, the primary symptoms of this type of dementia will usually impact these functions. Frontotemporal dementia differs from Alzheimer’s disease because memory loss is not thought to be a main symptom in the early stages of the condition. You can read more about this type of dementia in our guide to understanding the 7 stages of Frontotemporal dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease

In comparison to the above, Alzheimer’s disease is the most commonly diagnosed type of dementia around the world, and in the UK it is thought to affect around 6 in 10 people with dementia. The cause of the condition is unknown, but one suspected reason is a buildup of two substances in the brain; amyloid and tau. These substances form plaques and tangles which make cognitive function more difficult, and reduce the flow of chemicals needed to relay messages around the brain. As a result, some areas of the brain can become smaller, leading to the symptoms many people recognise in Alzheimer’s disease. These include things like memory problems, confusion about familiar places and people, difficulties with reasoning, communication and language problems, disorientation, changes in mood, behavioural changes, physical challenges, and more. Research into the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia is ongoing, but one 2021 study suggested non-Alzheimer’s disease types of dementia were associated with higher mortality rates, as well as a shorter life expectancy, than Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, genetic risk factors are thought to be more of a possibility in Alzheimer’s disease than other dementia types, with over 100 risk genes suspected to produce a greater susceptibility for late-onset Alzheimer’s. You can read more about this condition in our guide: What Is Alzheimer’s?Keep in mind, mixed dementia is also a possibility, and occurs in an estimated 1 in 10 people with dementia. This means more than one type of dementia is thought to be present, with the most common combination being Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, causing symptoms of both conditions. You can read more about how Alzheimer’s compares to other forms of dementia in our guide to the different types of dementia.

How do Alzheimer’s and dementia differ when it comes to diagnosis?

With similar symptoms and brain deterioration, it can be difficult for even specialist medical professionals to accurately diagnose the type of dementia present in an individual, as not only will symptoms vary by type of dementia, but they will also vary from person to person. Although challenging, often medical professionals will consider the nature of the presenting cognitive difficulties, their progression so far, and the significance of memory impairment to determine if Alzheimer’s disease could be the underlying cause, or if another form of dementia could be present. This can be done by ruling out other potential forms of dementia that show more physical signs, such as vascular dementia, resulting from something like a stroke, or Lewy body dementia, which may cause more sleep disturbances. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence states that diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia may involve steps such as:

• An initial assessment to discuss the individual’s medical history – this usually involves speaking to them, as well as their family or close friends to get a better picture of what may be going on 
• Certain assessments to determine the person’s present level of cognitive function compared to their baseline for typical function, and recognise any significant decline
• Questions regarding the impact of symptoms on the person’s daily life and activities, such as getting dressed, cooking and eating, continence, ability to take medications, managing personal finances, and more 
• Discussing potential risk factors for dementia, such as family history, lifestyle, medication history, and more
• Assessing for things like coordination abnormalities, sensory issues, motor symptoms, visual or auditory problems, cardiovascular problems, or other potential causes of symptoms
• Arranging relevant blood tests or scans to rule out other possible causes, or to learn more about what is going on within the brain 
• Discussing home safety, the person’s ability to live alone, and the potential need for home care 

If you suspect you or a loved one could be showing signs or experiencing symptoms of a dementia condition, getting a diagnosis is important in order to address symptoms as soon as possible, whether dementia is the cause or not. There are also many other support options available (such as community groups, charities and specialist home care services) to help you navigate the process of getting a diagnosis. 

How do Alzheimer’s and dementia differ when it comes to treatment?

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, there are treatment options and support available to help manage the progression of symptoms, maintain quality of life, and ensure a person with either condition can remain in their own home as long as they would like to. Depending on the specifics of a person’s condition, some of the treatment options offered include: 

Medications

In the case of some types of dementia, certain medications may be available to help alleviate the main symptoms, such as memory loss, sleep issues, or depression. While medications will not stop the onset or progression of dementia conditions, they can help to ease the symptoms that cause the biggest impact on a person’s quality of life. This is also the case for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Therapy

There are many benefits to various types of therapy, and for those experiencing the progressing symptoms of dementia, speaking to a professional who can provide emotional support could make a positive difference to the psychological and mental health elements of a dementia diagnosis.

Support

More general support from family, close friends and caregivers is incredibly important for those living with dementia, as over time their symptoms will progress and they will begin to struggle with various aspects of everyday life. Having people around that they trust can help them continue to feel safe and supported, and alleviate feelings of loneliness. If you are caring for someone with dementia at home, home care options could offer more balance or support for all involved, with specialist dementia care when you need it most, or respite care any time you need a break.

Lifestyle modifications

Certain studies suggest maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise could help to slow cognitive decline in those with dementia conditions, so making some lifestyle changes could help a person with dementia to feel more confident about the progression of their condition, and give them more energy to continue taking part in hobbies and being social if they would like to.  

Environmental modifications

When someone is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, they will begin to lose certain abilities over time, and will require help from caregivers. Thinking ahead to adapt the home environment for this eventuality can be helpful to make the home safe and optimised for the person’s needs. By making some home adaptations, a person with dementia can continue to enjoy their everyday routine and maintain independence for longer. The treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease are similar to those found in other types of dementia, though in all cases, any treatments offered will be personalised to the individual with their symptoms and health in mind. When a dementia diagnosis is made, the medical team who look after the person may recommend various medications, therapies, lifestyle adjustments or other support options to make life with dementia more manageable. This can allow the person to continue taking part in activities they enjoy and spending time with loved ones. Overall, the aim is to maintain their quality of life as much as possible. If you would like to learn more about how dementia conditions progress, you can find more information in our guide to managing the stages of dementia.

How can home care support those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?

Many people choose to look after a loved one with dementia on their own, and home care can be an excellent support for families who need occasional breaks in the form of respite care, or who need weekly help while they tend to other responsibilities. Similarly, if a person with dementia has requested not to be placed in a care home when they start to need more intense support, regular home care or live-in care could be a great resource. You may find more useful information in our guide: Do I Need A Carer? How To Tell If You Or A Loved One Needs SupportIn many cases, your local council will assess what you or your loved one’s needs are, and discuss the care they may be able to provide. However, if you are interested in other home care options, there are charities offering respite care, as well as privately funded home care options like the specialist dementia care we offer at Home Instead. You can learn more in our guide to who pays for respite care.Home care can sometimes be the best option for those with dementia, as studies have found being in an unfamiliar setting with strangers (like a care home) can foster feelings of stress, confusion and anxiety in those with dementia. Home care for dementia patients often includes helping with daily activities, such as assistance with getting washed and dressed each day, managing medication and ensuring adherence to the schedule, offering mobility support if needed, and much more. If you are looking into specialist care for dementia, you may want to ask a home care provider questions such as:

• How does a dementia carer help a person with dementia in day-to-day life? 
• When is live-in care required, and is this an option? 
• Can home care be adapted for the different types of dementia? 
• Will a carer be able to improve communication in a dementia patient? 
• How does care adapt over time to fit with the person’s changing needs? 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may be looking into visiting home help or live-in care options for when help is needed. At Home Instead, we are here to help answer any questions you have about this process, and support you in any way we can to help you or your loved one stay safe and happy at home. Our Care Professionals can offer expertly tailored care for everything from occasional companionship to live-in care solutions, and have undergone a City & Guilds Assured training programme created in conjunction with dementia care specialists. We understand the best ways to care for those with dementia, helping them to live comfortably, safely and happily at home. We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older adults in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.