Dementia Basics
Dementia vs. Alzheimer's disease
A short, plain-language explanation for families who are trying to understand a diagnosis or a doctor's words.
Dementia is an umbrella term
Dementia is not one disease. It is a general term for changes in memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, or behavior that are serious enough to interfere with everyday life. There are many possible causes.
Alzheimer's is one cause of dementia
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia (more than one cause at the same time).
Only a medical evaluation can sort it out
Symptoms can overlap, and some are caused by treatable conditions like thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, medications, infections, or depression. That is why a medical evaluation matters — early.
What to ask the doctor
- What testing do you recommend, and what will it tell us?
- Could any current medications be contributing?
- What is the likely cause, and how confident are you?
- What changes should we expect in the next 6–12 months?
- What support, planning, or referrals do you recommend now?
Next: First Steps After a Diagnosis and What Is Memory Care?
Educational only — not a substitute for medical advice.
Start with a clear path
Practical Texas dementia, caregiver, and veteran care resources — in one place.