Dementia is a general term that refers to a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily activities. It is characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, language, and other cognitive abilities that affect a person's ability to perform daily tasks. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a group of symptoms caused by different brain disorders.
Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia and is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which disrupt normal brain function and lead to cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease typically progresses slowly and can eventually interfere with a person's ability to perform basic activities of daily living.
Both dementia and Alzheimer's disease are characterized by a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss and difficulties with language and communication. They can both affect a person's ability to perform daily activities and can have a significant impact on quality of life. However, Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia and is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, while other types of dementia may be caused by different underlying brain disorders.