Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: What the Names Mean
Alzheimer’s and dementia are often mentioned together, but they are not interchangeable. Dementia is a term for symptoms caused by different conditions; Alzheimer’s disease is one of those conditions.
Ask about the diagnosis
Someone may have Alzheimer’s disease, another type of dementia or more than one cause. Ask the clinical team to explain the diagnosis and what it means for that person.
Focus on useful questions
Ask what support is available, who to contact if things change and which tasks need attention. Research headlines do not establish an individual treatment.
Respectful language
Use the words the person prefers when discussing their condition. Their diagnosis does not define their relationships, interests or choices.
Further reading
Editorial review: 7 October 2026.