When discussing brain health, especially when it comes to the older population, the terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably and may often be associated with changes in memory, mood, or difficulties with communication.
While they are closely related, they are not the same thing.
Understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia can help individuals, carers and families better navigate diagnosis, care and support options.
What is dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that is severe enough to interfere with daily life.
In Australia, more than 342,000 people are living with dementia, making it the highest cause of disability in Australians aged 65 years or older.
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells which interrupts their ability to communicate with each other [1]. There are several different types of dementia including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
Each type has a different underlying cause, but all result in progressive brain cell damage.
Some of the symptoms associated with dementia include:
- Memory: It may become difficult to remember and recall recent events, names of things and people.
- Thinking: The person might show more regular signs of confusion, or have difficulty concentrating, planning and problem-solving.
- Mood: Someone with dementia may not want to be social, or could be more prone to depression, anxiety and agitation.
- Behaviour: There may be signs of the person doing things that are ‘out of character’, such as saying or doing things they wouldn’t normally have done in the past.
As the condition progresses, symptoms of late-stage dementia may include:
- Memory: Lose ability to recognise people they know
- Physical: gradually lose their ability to walk, wash or dress, or do other day-to-day things. Some will experience incontinence, have trouble swallowing, and/or lose a lot of weight.
- Communication: progressively lose their ability to talk, and find it harder and harder to understand what people are saying, or what’s going on around them
- Confusion: call out from time to time, forget how to eat or drink, and not recognise the food they are given
- As conditions worsen, they be affected by other conditions like stroke or arthritis
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 70% of cases in Australia [2]. It is a specific brain disease marked by abnormal buildups of proteins which disrupt the brain function.
Risk factors include, but are not limited to; age, genetics, family history and certain lifestyle factors [2].
Some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
- Memory: specifically difficulty recalling information that has recently been learned
- Thinking: Trouble completing tasks that were once easy and difficulty solving problems, or confusion about places, people and events.
- Mood: Changes in mood or personality; withdrawing from friends and family.
- Communication: Problems with communication, either written or spoken.
Alzheimer’s vs Dementia – the key differences
While they share many symptoms, understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia is important.
- Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills [6].
- Dementia can be caused by various conditions, while Alzheimer’s is a single condition with its own unique progression.
- Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time [6].
- The symptoms of Alzheimer’s tend to develop slowly and worsen over time, while other types of dementia can have a more step-like progression [4].
Treatment options
While there is currently no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s, treatment options can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life and monitor progression.
If you or someone you know has concerns that they may have a degenerative condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, it is important to speak to a medical professional.
Dementia Australia has a range of helpful resources, including this guide on testing and diagnosis.
Working with Neurofit Brain Centre
Understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia empowers individuals and families to seek appropriate support and interventions.
While both conditions are serious and life-changing, early diagnosis and a proactive approach to brain health can make a difference.
Following a diagnosis, you may be interested in brain-based therapies to support people living with these conditions. Reach out to the friendly team at Neurofit Brain Centre to discuss the options available.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Neurofit Brain Centre can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
References
[1] Dementia Australia, What is dementia, accessed online 24 July 2025, https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/what-is-dementia
[2] Dementia Australia, What is Alzheimer’s disease, accessed online 24 July 2025, https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/types-of-dementia/alzheimers-disease
[3] Healthdirect, Australian Government, Dementia, accessed online 24 July 2024, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dementia
[4] Healthdirect, Australian Government, Alzheimer’s disease, accessed online 24 July 2025, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/alzheimers-disease
[5] Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Australia, accessed online 28 July 2025, https://www.alz.org/au/dementia-alzheimers-australia.asp
[6] Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease, accessed online 28 July 2025, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
