What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Dementia is a decline in thinking, reasoning, and/or remembering. People with dementia have difficulty carrying out daily tasks they have performed routinely and independently throughout their lives. Vascular dementia, a hardening of the arteries in the brain that causes blockage in blood flow, is one of the two most common forms of dementia; the other is Alzheimer's disease. These two conditions account for the vast majority of cases; both are irreversible, although sometimes their symptoms can be managed.

A doctor can accurately determine whether a person is suffering from Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. If a person appears to be losing mental abilities to a degree that interferes with daily activities and social interactions, consult a doctor.

Resources:

• Alzheimer's Toolkit (Information to Help You Understand and Manage Alzheimer's Disease)
• Expert Articles on Alzheimer's
• Questions and Answers about Alzheimer's