两者均与精神状况有关。区别在于amens为“精神错乱者” (与之相对的“精神错乱”则为amentia), 指精神完全失常的疯子[1]。demens为“痴呆者”，指弱智或痴呆病人，（与之相对的 “痴呆症”则为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).