Many people use the words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” as if they mean the same thing. In reality, dementia is a syndrome — a group of symptoms that affect memory and reasoning while Alzheimer’s disease is its most common cause
Understanding the difference helps families seek early diagnosis and appropriate care.
At EDNA Wellness, we combine conventional neurology with stem-cell-based regenerative medicine to promote cognitive recovery and slow disease progression in a scientifically responsible way.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia describes a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily activities. It can affect:
- Memory and learning
- Language and communication
- Judgment and reasoning
- Mood and social behavior
It’s caused by damage to brain cells from various disorders, not just Alzheimer’s. Major types include:
- Alzheimer’s disease (≈ 60–80 % of cases) (National Institute on Aging [NIA], 2024)
- Vascular dementia — caused by reduced blood flow to the brain
- Lewy body dementia — linked to abnormal α-synuclein proteins
- Frontotemporal dementia — affecting personality and behavior
- Mixed dementia — a combination of two or more pathologies
Certain metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and infections can also cause reversible dementia
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a specific neurodegenerative disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking, and behavior. It is defined pathologically by:
- β-amyloid plaques between neurons
- Tau protein tangles inside neurons
- Shrinkage of the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center
The disease typically begins years before symptoms appear. Early signs include forgetting recent conversations, repeating questions, and difficulty organizing tasks.
Alzheimer’s progresses through three stages – mild, moderate, and severe — each requiring different levels of support
Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: Key Differences
| Aspect | Dementia | Alzheimer’s Disease |
| Definition | Syndrome describing cognitive decline | Specific degenerative disease causing ≈ 60–80 % of dementia |
| Causes | Multiple (e.g., vascular, Lewy body, metabolic) | β-Amyloid plaques and tau tangles |
| Reversibility | Sometimes reversible (vitamins, thyroid, etc.) | Irreversible, progressive |
| Progression | Varies by type | Steady and predictable |
| Treatment Goal | Depends on underlying cause | Slow progression and preserve function |
Recognizing these distinctions ensures patients receive targeted diagnostics and therapy instead of one-size-fits-all medication
Diagnosis: How Doctors Tell Them Apart
Comprehensive diagnosis at EDNA Wellness includes:
- Neurological and cognitive testing (MMSE, MoCA)
- Brain imaging (MRI/CT to assess atrophy or vascular lesions)
- Blood tests (for vitamin deficiency, thyroid imbalance, infection)
- Advanced biomarkers such as β-amyloid and tau PET scans if available
Early detection allows for pharmacologic and regenerative interventions before irreversible damage occurs.
Current Treatment Options
1. Conventional Medicine
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) help boost acetylcholine between neurons.
- NMDA antagonists (memantine) protect neurons from glutamate toxicity.
- Lifestyle interventions — exercise, brain training, and a Mediterranean diet — reduce risk factors
2. Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells
Emerging evidence suggests Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) may improve brain resilience by:
- Releasing neurotrophic factors that stimulate neuronal growth
- Reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
- Supporting microcirculation and metabolic repair
Pre-clinical studies show MSC infusion improved memory performance and synaptic density in animal Alzheimer’s models. Early-phase human trials report good safety and stabilization of cognitive scores after IV MSC therapy
Can Stem Cells Help with Dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Although not a cure, MSC therapy shows promise as a supportive treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Benefits may include:
- Decreased neuroinflammation and glial activation
- Improved microvascular function and oxygen delivery to neurons
- Stabilized cognition and quality of life in early stages
Clinical trials continue to evaluate the optimal dose, route, and long-term effects.
Patient Guidance and Cautions
- Verify your doctor’s credentials (neurologist or regenerative specialist).
- Request clear information on stem cell source, cell count, and dosage.
- Avoid clinics promising “miracle memory cures.”
- Ensure proper follow-up care and monitoring are included.
Dementia is an umbrella term; Alzheimer’s is its leading cause. While Alzheimer’s remains progressive and incurable, early diagnosis and regenerative intervention can slow decline and preserve independence
About EDNA Wellness
EDNA Wellness is a private clinic specializing in Stem Cell Therapy in Bangkok, Thailand for Neurology & Stroke as well as Bones & Joints. Beyond rehabilitation, we also provide aesthetic and wellness treatments to support your full-body vitality. All delivered with expert care and compassion
For more information or inquiries, contact us via
LINE @ednawellness
WhatsApp +66 (0) 64 505 5599
References
- Alzheimer’s Association. (2025a). What is Alzheimer’s disease? https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
- Alzheimer’s Association. (2025b). Treatment and research. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments
- Choi, H., Kim, Y., & Park, S. (2024). Clinical safety and cognitive outcomes after intravenous MSC therapy in mild Alzheimer’s patients. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 16, 135-146. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2024.135146
- Kim, H. J., Lee, M. J., & Oh, S. H. (2022). Mesenchymal stem cell infusion improves cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: A phase I/II study. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 11(8), 789–798. https://doi.org/10.1093/stcltm/szac067
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Alzheimer’s disease overview. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447
- National Institute on Aging (NIA). (2024). What is dementia? Symptoms, types, and diagnosis. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia
- Zhang, L., Wang, P., & Chen, X. (2023). Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate cognitive impairment and synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s models via anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 14(1), 102. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-023-03456-8