Are Alzheimer’s and dementia the same thing?
No. Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory and thinking that affects daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is one cause of dementia, and it is the most common one.
Think of dementia as the name for a group of symptoms. Alzheimer’s is one disease that can cause them. Other causes include vascular disease, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal degeneration. Some people have more than one type at once, which is called mixed dementia.
Knowing the cause can help the doctor plan care and help your family plan ahead. If your parent’s memory is changing, ask for a full checkup. Learn how dementia is diagnosed, or read our guide to the stages of dementia at home.
Sources
This answer is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules can vary by state.
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