Whats the difference between the two?

They are caused by different things, and amnesia can be present in many different forms.

Alzheimer's disease is caused by an accumulation of B(beta)-amyloid plaque and fibrile tangles in the spaces between nerve cells. It is a degenerative disease that manifest as different symptoms depending on what stage a person is in. Typically symptoms include not being able to recognize familiar people, places, and things. Also, forgetting where something was left or how to get places. Difficulty in thought and planning, difficulty in remembering things about themselves, and at later stages these symptoms become more severe as well as developing motor problems.

Alzheimer's leads to dementia which is a broader term for any disease of the brain that causes disorientation, problems with memory, attention, language, etc.

They are similar but different in that Alzheimer's has a specific cause and a specific set of symptoms!

Hope that helps!

It would take a very long time to go through the differences. Amnesia can strike at any age, whereas Alzheimer's is generally found in the elderly. Alzheimer's patients have no idea what common items are for (ie, keys, or a telephone) In Alzheimer's, patients also tend to "sundown" which means they get more difficult to deal with as the day wears on. They require a ton of attention and a very consistent schedule.

An amnesia patient may have suffered a blow to the head to cause the loss of memory, but the cause of Alzheimer's is unknown.