The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia
- Nestcare Home Care and Private Duty Nursing
- May 11
- 4 min read
Understanding the Diagnosis Can Help You Care Smarter, Sooner, and with Less Stress
Keywords: Alzheimer’s vs dementia, types of dementia, difference between Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, dementia diagnosis, why dementia type matters
“They said it’s dementia—but what kind?”
When you first hear that your loved one has dementia, it feels overwhelming.
You may be told it’s “just dementia” or “probably Alzheimer’s.” But then you start reading online, or listening more closely to symptoms, and wonder:
“Is this Alzheimer’s—or something else?”
“Does it even matter what type it is?”
“Do the symptoms change the care plan?”
Yes—it matters.Because dementia isn’t one single condition. And Alzheimer’s isn’t the only version of it.
Knowing the difference can help you:
Understand what’s happening
Anticipate what’s coming
Adjust your care plan more effectively
Advocate for better treatment
Let’s break it all down in clear, caregiver-friendly terms—so you can feel more confident and less confused. So you can understand the difference between Alzheimers and dementia.
First Things First: What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an umbrella term that describes a group of symptoms that affect:
Memory
Thinking
Reasoning
Behavior
Daily functioning
There are many types of dementia—and Alzheimer’s is just one of them.
Think of it like this:🧠 Dementia = the category
🧩 Alzheimer’s
Lewy Body
Vascular
Frontotemporal
= the different types under that category
So… What Is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 60–80% of all cases.
It is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that begins with memory loss and gradually impairs thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s include:
Short-term memory loss
Trouble finding words
Repeating questions
Getting lost in familiar places
Difficulty with daily tasks
As it progresses, Alzheimer’s often leads to:
Personality changes
Wandering
Loss of reasoning
Trouble recognizing loved ones
Inability to care for oneself
Other Common Types of Dementia—and Why They Matter
1. Vascular Dementia
🧠 Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or small vessel disease.
Signs may include:
Sudden or stepwise decline
Poor judgment
Trouble with problem-solving or focus
Less memory loss early on than Alzheimer’s
Why it matters: You may notice sharper declines after each event. Managing cardiovascular health is key.
2. Lewy Body Dementia
🧠 Caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain.
Common signs:
Visual hallucinations
Parkinson-like movement issues (shuffling, tremors)
Sleep disturbances
Dramatic fluctuations in attention or alertness
Why it matters: People with LBD may react badly to certain medications, especially antipsychotics. Understanding this can prevent medical crises.
3. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
🧠 Caused by degeneration in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Often appears in younger individuals (under 65).
Signs may include:
Personality or behavior changes
Impulsive or inappropriate actions
Language problems
Less memory loss early on
Why it matters: FTD is frequently misdiagnosed as a psychiatric condition. Care needs focus more on behavior management than memory support.
4. Mixed Dementia
🧠 When more than one type of dementia occurs simultaneously—commonly Alzheimer’s + Vascular.
Why it matters: Mixed symptoms may confuse diagnosis. A broad, flexible care approach is crucial.
Now you know the difference between alzheimers and dementia.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
Understanding the specific type of dementia helps you:
✅ Choose the right medication (some types respond differently or not at all)
✅ Prepare for the right symptoms (FTD = behavior, LBD = hallucinations, Alzheimer’s = memory)
✅ Adjust communication strategies
✅ Get proper support and education
✅ Reduce caregiver stress through better expectations
It’s not just about having a “name”—it’s about having a plan.
What If the Doctor Isn’t Sure?
It’s common to hear “probable Alzheimer’s” or “dementia, not otherwise specified.”
In these cases, focus on symptoms more than labels. Keep a symptom log and advocate for:
Memory testing
Neurological assessments
Imaging (MRI or CT) if needed
A referral to a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist
How Nestcare Helps—No Matter the Diagnosis
Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Vascular, or a mix—you need a support system that works for your family’s version of dementia.
At Nestcare, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all care.We offer personalized tools and services designed to meet your loved one where they are—and support you, the caregiver, at every step.
Conversation Cards help reduce anxiety and increase connection, even with those who struggle with speech or memory
Movement Cards offer gentle, safe exercises to support brain-body regulation
Activity Cards provide easy-to-follow engagement ideas tailored to different cognitive abilities and behaviors
No matter the diagnosis, these cards support calm, routine, and redirection.
Whether your loved one is experiencing hallucinations, movement issues, behavior changes, or frequent confusion, our nurses can:
Monitor and document symptoms
Adjust care routines
Communicate with physicians
Provide emotional support to the family
Help you plan for the next stage—without panic
We guide families through:
Understanding what to expect based on diagnosis
Medication and symptom tracking
Planning for safety, transitions, and long-term care
Navigating difficult decisions with confidence and compassion
Not all dementias are the same. And that means not all care should be, either.
The more you understand your loved one’s unique version of dementia, the more empowered you are to:
Respond with empathy
Plan with intention
And care without guesswork
You don’t need all the answers—just the right support.
Comments