A clear answer
Alzheimer’s and dementia: what’s the difference?
Dementia describes a level of difficulty with thinking, memory, or behavior that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is one possible cause of dementia.
Educational information, not medical advice. These pages have not been medically reviewed. They cannot diagnose symptoms or recommend treatment. If a change in memory or thinking worries you, speak with a qualified health professional.
Why does the distinction matter?
Other conditions can also cause dementia symptoms, and some people have more than one contributing condition. The right evaluation helps identify possible causes and guides a discussion of support and care. Read NIA’s overview of dementia.
Does every memory change mean dementia?
No. Occasional forgetfulness can occur with aging. More serious problems may have several possible explanations. A health professional can assess changes that are worrying or interfere with everyday life. Read about memory changes.