The terms "dementia" and "Alzheimer's" are often used as though they mean the same thing. They are related, but there are important differences between the two.

Dementia is a broad term for an individual's changes in memory, thinking or reasoning. There are many possible causes of dementia, including Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is not a normal part of aging - it is a progressive brain disease, meaning it gets worse over time.

Alzheimer's disease causes nerve cells to die. This causes the brain to lose tissue and the function and communication between cells. These changes can cause the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The main features of Alzheimer's disease are caused by two abnormal brain structures called plaques and tangles. Scientists believe they damage and kill nerve cells. Plaques are pieces of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid that build up in the spaces between nerve cells. Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau that build up inside cells.
alz.org/brain

Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, but Alzheimer’s and related dementias are not. Unlike typical forgetfulness, serious memory problems, such as those that occur with Alzheimer’s, make it hard to do everyday tasks. These tasks can include driving, cooking, and shopping. A person with Alzheimer’s may not remember important places, dates, events, or even their family as the disease gets worse. If you are worried about your forgetfulness, talk with a health care provider.

- Vascular Dementia - a decline in thinking skills that happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced so that brain cells can't get important oxygen and nutrients.
- Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) - a type of progressive dementia related to buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein that damages brain cells.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) - a group of disorders. Progressive cell degeneration (or breakdown) causes FTD in two places, in the brain's frontal lobes (the areas behind the forehead), and in the brain's temporal lobes (the areas behind the ears).
- alz.org/dementia

- Age - After age 65, a person's risk of developing the disease doubles every 5 years. 33% of people age 85 or older have Alzheimer's.
- Family History - Researchers have learned that people who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's are more likely to develop it than those who do not. This is due to shared genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, and increases if more than one family member has the disease.
- Genetics - In most cases, Alzheimer’s does not have a single genetic cause. Instead, it can be influenced by multiple genes in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors. Consequently, a person may carry more than one genetic variant or group of variants that can either increase or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer's & Genetics
- Ethnicity, Race, and Sex - Research shows that Hispanic and Black older adults are more likely than White older adults to have Alzheimer's or another dementia.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medications available to treat the disease. Medications may help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or potentially slow down the progression of the disease. Although there is no single medication or other intervention that will be successful for everyone, scientists continue to study promising new approaches.
It’s important to talk with a doctor about what treatment will be most effective in your situation.