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.
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.