Summary: Many people mistakenly use the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia interchangeably. Alzheimer’s is one specific form of dementia, but there are multiple types. Researchers at Texas A&M explain how Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect patients and families, and offer practical insights for reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
Source: Texas A&M.
Not all dementia is Alzheimer’s — but any form can be profoundly disruptive for families.
People often confuse dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but they are not identical. Dementia is a broad medical term describing a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life and independence. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common specific cause of dementia, characterized primarily by progressive memory loss and deteriorating mental function. Experts at the Texas A&M School of Public Health outline how these conditions influence patients’ lives and their caregivers, and summarize evidence-based ways to lower risk and improve quality of life.
Dementia and its different forms
“Dementia is an umbrella term for a serious decline in mental ability that impacts overall health and functioning,” says Marcia Ory, PhD, MPH, head of the Center for Population Health and Aging and Regents and Distinguished Professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health. “There are different types of dementia, and the most common type is Alzheimer’s.”
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for roughly 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It is progressive, meaning symptoms gradually worsen over several years. Alzheimer’s is also a leading cause of death in the United States; on average, people live about eight years after symptoms become noticeable to others.
Other common forms include vascular dementia and mixed dementia. Vascular dementia is typically the second-most common type and usually follows damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain, often occurring after a stroke or series of strokes. Mixed dementia refers to the coexistence of more than one type—commonly Alzheimer’s combined with vascular changes—making it difficult to separate which symptoms arise from which process.
Less common forms include frontotemporal disorders, caused by frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and Lewy body dementia, which involves abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain. In many cases the exact cause remains unclear, and some older adults experience age-associated memory changes that differ from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Risk factors you should know
Age and family history are two of the strongest risk factors for Alzheimer’s and many dementias: most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are 65 or older, and having a parent or sibling with the disease increases one’s risk. However, research indicates that a substantial portion of risk is associated with modifiable factors.
Work from the University of Cambridge suggests that about one-third of Alzheimer’s cases can be linked to preventable risk factors. The seven main modifiable risks identified are diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, physical inactivity, depression, smoking, and low educational attainment.
“Reducing these risk factors may help delay or reduce the onset of dementia, though the exact impact is not yet fully known,” Ory notes. “Physical activity, a healthy diet, and other positive lifestyle choices benefit many chronic conditions and also influence cognitive health.”
Beginning with balanced nutrition and regular exercise is a practical step. Physical activity supports blood flow to the brain and strengthens neural connections, both important for preserving cognitive function. Systematic reviews consistently identify physical activity as a modifiable risk factor, even if optimal types, frequency, and duration of exercise remain subjects for further research.
Researchers are increasingly moving beyond single-risk-factor approaches and studying how combined healthy behaviors—diet, exercise, cognitive engagement, and social activity—might together lower risk or slow symptom progression. Because so many factors contribute to dementia risk, the most effective prevention strategies are multi-dimensional and sustained over time.
Talk with your health care provider
Aging raises understandable concerns, and discussing memory or cognitive worries with a health care provider is important. Simple screening tests can be done during routine visits to identify early signs of cognitive decline. Early detection allows clinicians to recommend interventions that may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, including medications where appropriate, and lifestyle changes such as increased activity and social engagement.
Although no treatment currently cures Alzheimer’s or most dementias, available medications and non-pharmacological strategies can help manage symptoms and maintain function. Discuss safety, daily living supports, and planning with your physician or care team. Recognizing dementia as a medical condition rather than a character flaw is crucial—older terms like “senile” are outdated and stigmatizing.
Caregivers play a central role and should seek support. “Don’t neglect your own health when caring for someone with dementia,” Ory advises. Joining support groups, participating in caregiver programs, or consulting professionals can provide practical guidance, emotional support, and respite. Dementia care is often most effective when family members, health professionals, and community resources work together.
Understanding the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia helps families make informed decisions about prevention, screening, care, and support. A proactive, multi-faceted approach—combining medical guidance with healthy lifestyle choices and caregiver resources—offers the best chance to preserve quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them.