06/11/2026
Recent news of Jon Snow's Alzheimer’s diagnosis has brought an important conversation back into the spotlight.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
We often hear “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” used interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and behaviour.
It can be caused by many different diseases. These diseases affect the brain in different ways, resulting in different types of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is a specific disease in the brain and the most common cause of dementia, and most commonly affects people over 65.
Alzheimer’s can begin in the brain years before symptoms appear, and like all types of dementia, it progresses over time.
Understanding the difference matters. It helps us talk more accurately, support more effectively, and reduce stigma for the millions of people and families affected.
