Nathaniel Chin, MD, medical director and Clinical Core co-leader of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), was one of three experts featured in a recent USA Today article for the health and wellness column.
When asked to describe the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Chin said, “Alzheimer’s disease is a specific condition resulting from an abnormal biological process, while dementia is a clinical syndrome.”
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a decline in memory, thinking and communication skills that interferes with daily life and typically worsens over time. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
Chin also discussed treatment for Alzheimer’s, saying, “both Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive and incurable, but Alzheimer’s disease can now be identified in people without symptoms, sometimes as early as 20 years in advance.”
“Dementia and Alzheimer's disease aren't the same thing. Here's why.” appeared on the USA Today website on July 8, 2025.
