"What makes Alzheimer's different from dementia?" It's a common question, and doctors are often very good at making us feel confused. Physicians seem to like the word "dementia" better than "Alzheimer's." This could be because the word "Alzheimer's" has become so loaded. Many people find the word "dementia" to be less scary than "dementia," and now even experts use the two words interchangeably.
They can't be switched out. Alzheimer's disease and dementia aren't the same thing at all.
Memory loss is a sign. Pain is a sign that something is wrong, and it can be caused by many different injuries and illnesses. When you go to the doctor because you hurt, you won't be happy if all the doctor says is "pain" and sends you home. You want to know what's hurting and how to make it feel better.
"Dementia" is just the symptom of a loss of mental abilities caused by a disease or disorder of the brain that hasn't been named.
Alzheimer's disease is an illness that can lead to dementia. There are many other diseases or groups of symptoms that can also cause dementia. Alzheimer's can be caused by Parkinson's disease. A stroke can cause dementia. Even dehydration can cause dementia.
Many of the things that can cause dementia can be treated, and some of them may even be able to be cured.
If you've taken an older person to the doctor and were told they have "dementia," you haven't actually been given a diagnosis. You can't treat the cause of dementia until you know what's causing it.
If your doctor says you have "dementia," you should get a second opinion. You are probably dealing with a doctor who doesn't like the truth or doesn't know how (or doesn't want to take the time) to tell the difference between all the possible causes of dementia. In either case, a good place to start would be with a skilled geriatrician or a neurologist who is used to working with older people.
