How would you feel if someone you love gradually lost their memories, forgetting names, places, or even who you are? Sadly, this is the reality for many families around the world affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, this article explains the key differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and helps you recognise early signs so that you can seek timely medical advice.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of conditions that causes a gradual decline in brain functions such as memory, attention, language, problem-solving, visual understanding, and social interaction.
These changes affect a person’s ability to think clearly, communicate, manage emotions, and carry out everyday activities. Dementia happens when brain cells and the connections between them gradually stop working as they should. Over time, certain parts of the brain shrink or lose function.
While dementia becomes more common with age, it is not a normal part of ageing. It can result from various diseases or injuries that affect the brain, including:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of dementia cases.
Vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke.
Dementia with Lewy bodies, which is linked to abnormal protein deposits in brain cells. This type often leads to fluctuating alertness, movement problems, and vivid visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not really there).
Frontotemporal dementia, due to degeneration of the brain’s frontal or temporal lobes, leading to changes in personality, behaviour, judgement, or language.
While memory loss is a hallmark symptom, dementia can also affect mood, communication, and decision-making. Early signs can be subtle and vary between individuals.
Common symptoms include:
Forgetting recent events or conversations
Misplacing items or getting lost in familiar places
Losing track of time or dates
Difficulty solving problems or making decisions
Struggling to follow conversations or find the right words
Trouble performing familiar tasks
Visual or spatial challenges, such as judging distance or depth
Changes in mood or behaviour may include:
Increased anxiety, sadness, or irritability
Personality changes or inappropriate behaviour
Withdrawal from social or work activities
Reduced empathy or emotional awareness
Because dementia can have many causes, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and management plan if these symptoms appear in yourself or a loved one.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by deposition of abnormal proteins, which are amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in the brain. These changes gradually damage nerve connections, particularly in areas responsible for memory and learning. The process can begin many years before symptoms appear, which is why early detection and risk management are so important.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are similar to those of dementia described above, such as forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty performing daily tasks. However, Alzheimer’s tends to follow a characteristic pattern that helps doctors recognise it.
In Alzheimer’s, short-term memory loss is often the earliest and most noticeable sign. A person may remember events from many years ago, yet forget what happened earlier in the day, repeat questions, or misplace things frequently.
Other features that may suggest Alzheimer’s disease include:
Difficulty learning new information or recalling recent conversations
Trouble finding the right words or following conversations
Losing track of time, dates, or familiar places
Subtle personality or mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or social withdrawal
A gradual decline over months or years, rather than sudden deterioration
Memory changes should never be ignored. While some forgetfulness is normal with ageing, progressive memory loss is not.
Identify whether symptoms are due to Alzheimer’s disease or another condition.
Detect treatable or reversible causes of cognitive decline (for example, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects).
Address modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, poor sleep, depression, and social isolation, all of which can worsen brain health.
Start medications and cognitive therapy early, when they are most effective.
Guide families on care planning and lifestyle adjustments to help maintain independence.
In summary, dementia is a general term for conditions that impair memory and cognitive function, while Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Recognising symptoms early and seeking medical attention can help manage the condition, improve quality of life, and support families in caregiving.
At Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, our experienced geriatricians and neurologists provide comprehensive assessment and care for dementia and other neurological conditions.
Comprehensive neurological and cognitive assessments
Brain imaging and laboratory investigations to identify secondary causes
Risk-factor optimisation and preventive counselling
Access to rehabilitation, speech and occupational therapy, and psychological support
Education and guidance for caregivers to manage behavioural and emotional changes
Our aim is to help every individual live well for as long as possible by combining early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and strong caregiver support. Let us support you and your loved ones in maintaining health, dignity, and comfort through every stage of care.
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