---
title: "Dementia vs Alzheimer's: what's the difference?"
description: "Dementia is a set of symptoms; Alzheimer's is the most common disease that causes it. Other types, why diagnosis matters, and what to ask."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/guides/dementia-vs-alzheimers/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: Senior Choice Care
---

Explainer

# Dementia vs Alzheimer's disease

The words are often used as if they mean the same thing. They don't, and the difference matters for treatment.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

Dementia is the loss of thinking, remembering and reasoning severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is one cause of dementia, and NIA calls it the most common. Other forms include vascular, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia. Similar symptoms can make diagnosis hard, but a proper diagnosis matters for treatment.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

## Common types

- Alzheimer's disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal disorders
- Mixed dementia

## Why diagnosis matters

NIA says doctors first look for underlying, potentially treatable conditions. Tumors, vitamin deficiencies, medicine side effects and thyroid, kidney or liver problems can cause memory problems that resemble dementia.

## Questions families ask

### Is Alzheimer's the same as dementia?

No. Alzheimer's is a disease; dementia is the set of symptoms it and other diseases cause.

### Which is worse, dementia or Alzheimer's?

That isn't the right comparison; Alzheimer's is one kind of dementia.

### Can dementia be reversed?

Some memory problems with other causes can be treated, which is why diagnosis matters.

### How is dementia diagnosed?

With history, cognitive tests, exams, lab tests and sometimes brain imaging.

## Sources

- [National Institute on Aging: What is dementia? Symptoms, types and diagnosis](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis)

## Read next

- [Signs of dementia](https://seniorchoicecare.com/guides/signs-of-dementia/)
- [Cognitive tests](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/cognitive-tests-for-dementia/)
- [Dementia doctor questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/doctor-about-dementia/)

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