Comparing Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: What Family Caregivers Should Know

When a loved one is diagnosed with memory loss, many families ask:

Is it dementia? Or is it Alzheimer’s? Are they the same?

They’re not. And knowing the difference can help you plan care with more confidence.

🧠 What’s the Difference between Dementia vs Alzheimer’s?

Dementia is an umbrella term. It refers to a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and daily function.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, about 60–80% of cases.

Other forms of dementia include:

• Lewy body dementia

• Frontotemporal dementia

• Vascular dementia

• Mixed dementia (when more than one type is present)

  
  

💡 Why This Matters for Care

While all forms of dementia affect memory, they don’t all behave the same. Understanding which type your person has can change how you approach:

• Communication (e.g., word-finding vs comprehension)

• Safety (e.g., judgment loss vs visual/spatial misperception)

• Activities (e.g., music, sorting, walking, tactile tools)

It can also guide medical support, medications, and long-term planning.

💬 Words to Carry

You don’t need to become a neurologist. But you deserve clear, simple information to help your person thrive—and to feel less alone.

Ask your provider:

-“What type of dementia is this?”

-“What should I watch for as it progresses?”

-“What helps most at this stage?”

Knowing what you’re facing gives you more power to care with calm and compassion.

💡 Caregiver Reflection

• Have I been told the specific type of dementia my person has?

• What changes have I noticed that might relate to their type?

• What support do I need to understand their behavior better?

Understanding leads to empathy. Empathy leads to better care.

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📞 Need help navigating a diagnosis? Call or text us at (503) 662‑9222 or visit mobilememoryenrichment.com for support tailored to your caregiving journey. (Advanced Skills in ASL)Book a free 15-minute Caregiver Check-In.