兩者均與精神狀況有關(guān)。區(qū)別在于amens為“精神錯(cuò)亂者” (與之相對(duì)的“精神錯(cuò)亂”則為amentia), 指精神完全失常的瘋子[1]。demens為“癡呆者”，指弱智或癡呆病人，（與之相對(duì)的 “癡呆癥”則為dementia[2] )。
            
[1]“ Demens indicate one whose mental faculties are enfeebled ； one who has lost his mind； distinguished from amens, one totally insane. ” Cf. The Publisher's Editorial Staff, Black's Law Dictionary, 5th edition, at p. 387, West Publishing Co. (1979).
[2]“ Unalterable mental deterioration. ” Cf. F. A. Jaffe, A Guide to Pathological Evidence, 2nd edition, at p. 174, Toronto, Carswell (1983).