Is Alzheimer's disease a type of prion disease?

Researchers do not consider Alzheimer's disease a type of prion disease. However, Alzheimer's shares some features with prion diseases.
The table below outlines some key similarities and differences at a glance:
Prion diseases are rare, transmissible neurodegenerative disorders, which means they involve the progressive death of cells in the central nervous system, including the brain. The most common prion disease in humans is sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD).
Prion diseases have the following three features: They occur due to the buildup of misfolded proteins called prions.
They are transmissible.
They cause fatal neurodegenerative changes.
Alzheimer's disease does not qualify as a prion disease because it does not meet the transmissible criteria.
Various factors can contribute to a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease, including:
Since prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease both involve progressive neurodegeneration, they may share symptoms, including: memory loss
changes in movement
changes in mood
forgetting to eat or sleep
Prion diseases can be asymptomatic for years . However, when symptoms occur, progression is typically quick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests it can be months or years until a prion disease causes death after symptoms appear.
In contrast, Alzheimer's disease progression can vary significantly from person to person. In many cases, symptoms progress slowly over several years. People may initially mistake mild symptoms for natural changes due to aging.
There is no cure for prion diseases or Alzheimer's disease. However, healthcare professionals may be able to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease with medications such as:
Unlike Alzheimer's disease, there are no treatments for the symptoms of prion disease.
People should speak with a healthcare professional if they are concerned about Alzheimer's disease or if they have a diagnosis and experience changes in symptoms.

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