While dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are terms that are often used interchangeably, they don’t mean the same thing. Understanding the difference isn’t just helpful for clarity, it’s essential for making sense of symptoms, treatment options and what kind of care to hope for if you or a loved one receives either diagnosis. “While a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia understandably brings fear and uncertainty, we are living in a time of unprecedented knowledge and more comprehensive care for patients than ever before,” says Dr. Nathaniel Chin, medical director and clinical core co-leader of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center