Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline that makes it hard to function in everyday life. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, falls under the umbrella of dementia and is also the most common cause of this condition. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not. Alzheimer’s—a degenerative brain disease—is caused by complex brain changes following neuron damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time, with the most common being trouble remembering new information. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more serious and include behavior changes, memory problems, disorientation, and severe confusion. Eventually, basic functions like speaking, walking, and swallowing become difficult.