What's the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease?

March 05, 2025

Changes to the brain are a typical part of aging. Having occasional trouble recalling a name or forgetting why you came into a room is normal and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. In fact, many people live well into their golden years without a significant change in their cognitive function.

However, if you start to notice these moments happening more often, in you or a loved one, it could be a sign of a more serious cognitive disorder, says University Hospitals cognitive neurology and movement disorders specialist Mohamed Elkasaby, MD.

Learn how to recognize the different types of cognitive decline in older adults.

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

As you get older, the natural aging process affects every part of the body, from the joints and bones to the heart and other organs – including the brain.

“Mild cognitive impairment falls in between typical brain aging and dementia,” says Dr. Elkasaby. “People or loved ones may start to notice problems with memory, language or decision-making, but the symptoms are often not severe enough to interfere with everyday activities.”

Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment may include:

Forgetting things more often.
Missing appointments or social events.
Losing your train of thought.
Trouble following a conversation or finding the right word or expression.
Not following the plot of a book or movie.
Difficulty making decisions, finishing a task or following instructions.
Trouble finding your way around familiar places.

While patients with mild cognitive impairment have a higher risk of dementia, it doesn’t always progress. Some people may even see symptoms improve over time.

What Is Dementia?

When cognitive impairment starts interfering with a person’s daily activities, it can be a sign of dementia. There are many different types and causes of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia. It affects memory, attention span and the ability to organize actions and thoughts. People may also struggle with speech and language, problem-solving and reasoning, spatial awareness, coordination and motor skills.

Dementia is a progressive condition that can worsen over time and impact a person’s ability to live independently. It’s usually diagnosed according to the part of the brain that is damaged.

“Symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia, but they often overlap,” says Dr. Elkasaby. “It may be more difficult to determine a specific type of dementia in some patients, and mixed dementia isn’t uncommon.”

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It affects about 6 million people in the U.S. The disease is caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and protein tangles in the brain. This makes it harder for neurons to communicate with each other, causing cognitive dysfunction.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, confusion, poor judgement, difficulty problem-solving and withdrawal from social activities. Alzheimer’s disease starts developing years before symptoms appear. As the disease progresses, the brain becomes more damaged and symptoms get worse. People with Alzheimer’s will increasingly need more help with day-to-day tasks and may eventually require full-time care.

The most common risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is age. Over 99 percent of cases are diagnosed in people older than 65, and the risk increases with age. Early onset Alzheimer’s disease (diagnosed before age 65) is much rarer and most likely has a genetic component.

Getting a Diagnosis

A neurologist can assess a person who is experiencing cognitive impairment and help diagnose the extent and cause of their symptoms. They will ask the patient and their loved ones about symptoms and the effect on their daily lives. They may also ask a series of questions designed to assess the patient’s memory, thinking and reasoning skills.

After reviewing symptoms with patients and loved ones and conducting a cognitive assessment, additional brain imaging and blood tests may be ordered. A brain scan isn’t always necessary but may be conducted to verify a diagnosis or to rule out other causes for the symptoms, such as a brain injury or tumor. It may also be able to help identify the area of the brain that is damaged, which can help with diagnosing the specific type of dementia.

Managing and Treating Dementia

There is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Managing the disease often includes medication and lifestyle modifications. Many factors determine the right treatment plan, including the type of dementia, symptoms and the patient’s medical history.

Several medications can help slow the progression of cognitive decline, as well as relieve sleep problems, depression or anxiety. Lifestyle changes can help manage the disease too, including physical activity, cognitive games and stimulation, and socializing with loved ones.

“It’s important for patients and their loved ones to seek help when they first start noticing symptoms, even if they’re mild,” says Dr. Elkasaby. “The sooner a proper diagnosis is made, the sooner families can get the support they need to manage their loved one’s cognitive impairment, maintain independence as long as possible and maximize their quality of life.”