Alzheimer’s and Dementia - Are They The Same?

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia are two different diagnoses. They are not the same. While both have often been confused with one another, they are two distinct entities.

What is Dementia?

“Dementia” refers to a group of symptoms inclusive of impaired thinking, memory loss, and is often associated with cognitive decline with aging.

While Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the causes for Dementia, “Dementia” can also be caused by other problems like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s Disease of Creutzfeldt - Jakob Disease (CJD).

Depending on the cause, Dementia can be reversible.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a common cause of dementia totalling up to 70% of cases. Symptoms of which include impaired thought, speech and confusion. While these symptoms are common to all dementia patients, Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that results in brain tissue destruction. This can be confirmed by extensive and sequential brain imaging.

Alzheimer’s is irreversible. It is a form of disease that is degenerative and incurable.

About The Author

Dr Lau Tzun Hon is a resident housecall doctor at CMY Medical. He received his MBBS (Hons) from Sydney University in 2001 and has served in the both private and government restructured hospitals prior to commencing his practice in Home Care.

While in the Government Restructured Hospitals, Dr Lau served primarily in the Department of Accident & Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesia. Upon entering the Private sector, Dr Lau worked in both public and private A&E departments before venturing into Home Care.

Over the years, he has developed a strong passion to maintain and  enhance the quality of life for patients under his care.  A strong believer that healthcare does not need to be financially straining, Dr Lau often delivers more value beyond expectations.