LivePeace Seniors Home Care
Two terms families hear on the same day a diagnosis lands — and almost never get explained clearly. Here’s the plain-language answer, from people who support families through it every day.
Quick answer
Dementia isn’t a specific disease — it’s an umbrella term for a decline in memory and thinking severe enough to affect daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common specific disease that causes dementia, responsible for 60–70% of cases. Every person with Alzheimer’s has dementia; not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s.
If you’ve just heard a doctor mention “dementia” and you’re wondering whether that’s the same thing as Alzheimer’s, you’re far from alone — it’s one of the most common questions Greater Vancouver families ask us, and the confusion is completely understandable.
The type of dementia someone has affects how it progresses, what symptoms to expect, and what kind of care actually helps. Below, we’ll walk through what separates the two, the warning signs to watch for, the other conditions that cause dementia, and what to do next.
The distinction
One is a category. One is a diagnosis.
Dementia
- An umbrella term for a group of symptoms, not one disease
- Caused by damage to brain cells — several different diseases can cause it
- Diagnosed by observing decline in two or more mental functions (memory, language, reasoning, focus, perception)
- Severity: interferes with everyday tasks like cooking, finances, or driving
vs
Alzheimer’s disease
- A specific, progressive brain disease — the leading cause of dementia
- Caused by amyloid plaque and tau tangle buildup that damages brain cells
- Diagnosed through clinical evaluation, imaging, and ruling out other causes
- Accounts for roughly 60–70% of all dementia cases
| Dementia | Alzheimer’s disease | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Umbrella term for a group of symptoms | A specific disease, and dementia’s leading cause |
| Cause | Many possible causes | Amyloid & tau protein buildup in the brain |
| Progression | Varies — some types are even reversible | Progressive and currently irreversible, ~8–10 yrs |
| Prevalence | ~1 in 11 Canadians over 65 | 60–70% of all dementia cases |
Beyond Alzheimer’s
Other causes of dementia
Because Alzheimer’s isn’t the only cause, it helps to know what else falls under the dementia umbrella — the right care approach can differ by type.
Vascular dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke. Symptoms can appear suddenly and progress in steps.
Lewy body dementia
Involves abnormal protein deposits — often includes visual hallucinations, Parkinson’s-like movement, and fluctuating alertness.
Frontotemporal dementia
Affects personality, behaviour, and language before memory. Tends to appear earlier — 40s to 60s.
Reversible causes
Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid issues, medication interactions, or depression can mimic dementia — and improve with treatment.
Alzheimer’s progression
How Alzheimer’s typically unfolds
1
Early stage
Mild memory lapses, difficulty finding words, trouble planning or organizing.
2
Middle stage
Increased confusion, trouble recognizing family, wandering, mood or personality changes.
3
Late stage
Significant loss of communication ability, full dependence on caregivers for daily activities.
Know the signs
Normal aging, or time to see a doctor?
One of the biggest sources of anxiety for families is figuring out whether what they’re seeing is a normal part of aging or something more serious.
Likely normal aging
- Forgetting a name, but recalling it later
- Losing your train of thought briefly
- An occasional bad decision
Worth a doctor’s visit
- Forgetting recent info and never recalling it
- Struggling with a familiar recipe or bills
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Withdrawing from hobbies and people
- Repeating questions in the same conversation
What comes next
What this means for care
Whether the diagnosis turns out to be Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, or another type, families in Greater Vancouver typically face the same set of practical questions: Is it safe for Mom or Dad to keep living at home? Who’s there overnight as things progress? What does this cost — and how do we plan for a condition that needs more support over time, not less?
In-home dementia care, built around real life
Our dementia care programs keep your loved one in the environment that matters most — with consistent caregivers, safety-focused routines, and support that flexes as needs change, including overnight care once wandering or nighttime confusion becomes a concern.
Explore dementia care →Overnight & 24/7 care2026 cost guide
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is dementia the same as Alzheimer’s?
No. Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory and thinking severe enough to affect daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common specific cause, accounting for roughly 60–70% of cases. Can you have dementia without having Alzheimer’s?
Yes. Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are all types of dementia that aren’t Alzheimer’s. Some causes are even reversible with treatment, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues. What is usually the first sign of Alzheimer’s?
The most common early sign is difficulty remembering newly learned information — repeating the same question shortly after asking it, or forgetting a recent conversation entirely. How fast does Alzheimer’s progress compared to other dementias?
Alzheimer’s typically progresses gradually over 8–10 years on average, though this varies. Vascular dementia can progress in sudden steps tied to strokes, while other types vary widely. Does it matter which type of dementia someone has?
Yes. The type affects treatment options, expected progression, and the right care approach — and ruling out reversible causes can sometimes mean symptoms improve significantly with the right treatment. When should we start looking into home care for dementia?
Many families wait too long hoping things will stabilize. The best time to explore in-home dementia care is as soon as safety becomes a concern — missed medications, wandering, or getting lost — since starting early makes the transition easier for everyone.
Not sure what your family needs right now?
Our care team is happy to talk through your specific situation — no pressure, just honest guidance.Book a free care consultation Written by the LivePeace Care Team · Greater Vancouver, BC · livepeaceseniors.ca