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Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Are white matter disease and Alzheimer's separate or did one cause the other? He has both.

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Anadarko, OK
July 27
 · 
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Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: Signs and Differences Read Article...
A myALZteam Member

Mixed dementia. Thank you very much! It will help me to look for clues of how he changes a little better I hope. I don't think I'll tell him. I know he'll cry maybe. I don't like hiding it but I don't like things that make him cry worse. His happiness is the most important. Laughter is one of the best medicines.

July 27
A myALZteam Member

I hadn't heard of the white matter. I have been told my daughter has mixed dementia with her early onset Alzheimer's.

August 4
A myALZteam Member

Angela, I have found in the past with my husband that repeating what his diagnosis was did no good for him, it only upset him more , so I stopped. I knew, and I dealt with the issues that presented themselves because of his Alzheimer’s but there was nothing he could do to stop or prevent the inevitable so why upset him?

August 3
A myALZteam Member

That is a heavy burden Angela, but seems you are handling well.

July 28
myALZteam

That's a really important question, and it's understandable to want clarity when a loved one has more than one diagnosis.

White matter disease and Alzheimer's are actually separate conditions, but they can exist together in the same person. This is sometimes referred to as "mixed dementia" — when more than one type of Show Full Answer

That's a really important question, and it's understandable to want clarity when a loved one has more than one diagnosis.

White matter disease and Alzheimer's are actually separate conditions, but they can exist together in the same person. This is sometimes referred to as "mixed dementia" — when more than one type of brain condition is present at the same time.

Here's a simple breakdown:

- Alzheimer's disease involves the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain that damage nerve cells, affecting memory and thinking
- White matter disease involves damage to the brain's communication pathways, often related to reduced blood flow
- Having both doesn't necessarily mean one caused the other — they can develop independently

Having both conditions together can sometimes make symptoms more noticeable or progress more quickly than either condition alone. The most important step is making sure his care team is aware of both diagnoses, so his treatment plan addresses both conditions appropriately. It's always a good idea to keep a running list of his symptoms to share at appointments — this helps doctors tailor his care more effectively.

July 27

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How does one find out the type of Alzheimer's one has?

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Fitzgerald, GA
March 11, 2017