Learning
Alzheimer's vs dementia — what's the difference?
Dementia describes the symptoms. Alzheimer's is one specific disease that causes them — the most common one, but not the only one.
Updated 2026-02-15
Written and clinically reviewed by Ashlee Skabla Velez, APRN, ACNPC-AG
Dementia care and caregiver-support specialist
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Two questions, not one
When the neurologist says "dementia," the next question they should answer is "what kind?" The type matters because Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia each progress differently and respond to different treatments — sometimes opposite treatments.
Why the cause matters
- Alzheimer's responds to cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) and the newer amyloid-clearing infusions (lecanemab, donanemab).
- Lewy body dementia can be made dramatically worse by typical antipsychotics — Haldol, in particular, can be dangerous.
- Vascular dementia benefits most from blood-pressure and stroke-prevention care.
- Frontotemporal dementia rarely responds to Alzheimer's drugs — and they may worsen behaviour.
Frequently asked questions
- Can someone have both Alzheimer's and another type?
- Yes — "mixed dementia" is common, especially Alzheimer's + vascular. Autopsy studies show most people over 80 with dementia have more than one pathology.
- Is the diagnosis ever wrong?
- Yes — early-stage misdiagnosis happens. If something doesn't fit (e.g. hallucinations, sleep behavior, asymmetric symptoms), a second opinion is worth asking for.
Every dementia journey is different.
Memory Lane Care helps you understand what applies to your loved one, what to expect next, and which resources fit your family's situation.
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Related across the journey
Memory Lane connects every part of dementia care. Here's how this topic threads into the rest.
Behavior Guidance
Paying for Care
Keep reading
Learning
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in memory, thinking, or behavior serious enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a normal part of aging.
Learning
The stages of dementia
Dementia is progressive — symptoms worsen over time — but the path is never identical between people. Knowing the stages helps you plan, not predict.
Treatments
Lecanemab (Leqembi)
Lecanemab is one of the first FDA-approved infusions that clears amyloid plaques from the brain. It's not a cure — it slows decline modestly in early Alzheimer's.
Treatments
Donepezil (Aricept)
Donepezil is the most prescribed dementia medication in the world. It doesn't cure, doesn't stop progression, but in many people it sharpens day-to-day function modestly.
Learning
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the third most common dementia. It shows up differently — visual hallucinations, sleep behaviors, Parkinson-like stiffness — and is dangerous to treat with the wrong medications.
Learning
Dementia medications
No medication cures dementia. Several slow decline modestly, two slow disease progression in early Alzheimer's, and many treat behavioral symptoms. Setting expectations matters.
GUIDE
Am I eligible for Medicare GUIDE?
GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a Medicare program launched in 2024 that gives families a care navigator, 24/7 helpline, caregiver training, and up to $2,500/year in respite — all at no copay.
Behavior Guidance
Agitation — what's underneath, and what calms it
Agitation in dementia is usually a signal of unmet need — pain, hunger, full bladder, fear — that the person can't put into words. The path through is detective work, not arguing.