COULD be both, but not necessarily, I recently learned. Like many people, I thought they were the same thing and used the terms interchangeably. Now I know better. Here’s a brief, oversimplified explanation:
Dementia comes in a dozen types. It can be caused by Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, alcohol, lessened blood flow or or extra amount of a certain protein to the brain, fluid around the brain and spinal cord, and other factors. The general term “Dementia” refers to a loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily life.
“Alzheimer’s Disease” is what we’re more familiar with, as 50%-70% of cases of dementia are Alzheimer’s. That’s why we tend to think of any loss of mental functioning–even problems with memory and language that are noticeable to others but don’t interfere with the person’s daily life (“Mild Cognitive Impairment)–as at least beginning Alzheimer’s.
But one form of dementia doesn’t lead to another. My having Mild Cognitive Impairment doesn’t mean I’ll necessarily end up with Alzheimer’s.
My new understanding is causing me to look at some of my older friends in a different light and, I admit, treat them a bit differently. That’s a good thing. That’s a positive thing.