someone with an alcohol problem has CHOSEN to drink, despite knowing there is a risk of dependency, has started drinking more and more without checking the issue, and then has been surprised (or then again maybe not) when dependency has developed. someone with dementia made no such choice, or had any chance to put the brakes on before it became an issue, it just happened and there was nothing they could have done to avoid it. Someone with an alcohol problem can seek help and, with enough effort and willpower, can get on the wagon and stay on it. Someone with dementia has no such option.