Dementia itself is not a disease. Rather, the word is a general description of progressive brain dysfunction. It is a group of symptoms that may accompany other diseases or physical conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of this condition, one of some fifty different causes of dementia, and a disease that in most cases develops unexpectedly and without certain explanation.

What does it mean when a patient suffering from dementia symptoms is diagnosed as having “probable Alzheimer’s disease” or “dementia of the Alzheimer type”? Since there is no one quick and easy test for detecting Alzheimer’s, qualified physicians must make a diagnosis through the process of elimination. After ruling out other forms of dementia, a 90% accurate diagnosis will be made that the patient is indeed suffering from an Alzheimer’s type of progressive brain dysfunction. The only definitive way to diagnose the disease would be through the examination of brain tissue, which is usually only done in an autopsy.

It is true that both of these conditions are mainly found in elderly people. Studies show that individuals over age of 60, about 6% suffer from dementia, and over the age of 80 about 20%. Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as “senile dementia”, also is very likely to affect those over the age of 80 also with a 20% affected rate. However, that’s not to say that only elderly individuals are at risk. Not only can some types of dementia affect younger people whether due to poor health or unexpected medical conditions, but even Alzheimer’s disease has developed in people in their forties and fifties.

While the two terms are often linked with another, there are some notable differences. Learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia is important, for the ones suffering the symptoms, as well as friends and family. It is also important for one receive a proper diagnosis when serious symptoms start to appear. Some forms of dementia can be treated if caught early and even for the ones that cannot, it is still important to get a diagnosis so that a plan of action can be set. The more people learn about this subject, including the specifics like the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the more they will understand what is happening and the best way to deal with the situation if and when it develops. The more people know the more people can help.

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