The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What Families Should Know

When a loved one starts experiencing memory loss, confusion, or difficulty with daily tasks, it can be overwhelming for families. One of the most common questions we hear at Hummingbird Hospice is: What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia? Understanding these terms is essential for making informed decisions about care, especially as the disease progresses.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is not a specific disease—it is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia affects memory, reasoning, language, and problem-solving skills. It is caused by damage to brain cells, which leads to difficulties in communication, thinking, and behavior.

Dementia is an umbrella term that includes several types, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Other types of dementia include:

    •    Vascular dementia – Often caused by strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain.

    •    Lewy body dementia – Characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to hallucinations and movement issues.

    •    Frontotemporal dementia – Affects personality, behavior, and language, often occurring in younger individuals.

    •    Mixed dementia – A combination of two or more types, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. It is a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily activities. The disease is caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain, which disrupt communication between nerve cells and cause brain tissue to shrink over time.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Include:

    •    Gradual memory loss, especially short-term memory

    •    Difficulty finding words or following conversations

    •    Confusion about time and place

    •    Changes in mood, personality, or behavior

    •    Difficulty with problem-solving or completing familiar tasks

Unlike some other forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s is progressive and irreversible, meaning symptoms worsen over time. The disease typically moves through three stages: early, middle, and late-stage, with each phase requiring different levels of care and support.

Key Differences Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

How Hospice Can Help

Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be emotionally and physically exhausting. As the disease progresses, hospice care can provide vital support for both patients and families. At Hummingbird Hospice, our compassionate team offers:

    •    Pain and symptom management to ensure comfort in the final stages

    •    Emotional and spiritual support for both patients and caregivers

    •    Education and guidance to help families navigate difficult decisions

    •    Respite care to give caregivers much-needed rest

If you are wondering whether it is time for hospice care, we are here to help. Contact Hummingbird Hospice to learn more about our specialized dementia care and how we can support your family during this journey.