Even if your loved one hasnt officially been diagnosed with dementia, you may notice that dementia-like symptoms, such as confusion, come on fairly quickly. Get an easy-to-understand breakdown of services and fees. Delirium is only one of a long list of reversible or partly reversible medical conditions that can mimic MaND and mislead the doctors into assigning the wrong diagnosis. If youre caring for a loved one with dementia at home, consider exploring AgingCares online support group for caregivers for helpful tips and advice. Dont let the doctor just diagnose dementia for you or any of your loved ones without checking into the below health issues, which can mimic dementiaand are often reversible. Here are a few of the ways acetaldehyde impairs cognitive function and causes brain fog: Reduces the amount of oxygen carried by red blood cells to your brain. Of course, just because you have these symptoms doesnt mean its dementia. Celiac disease does major damage to the small intestine and destroys its sensitive lining that absorbs nutrients from food, especially the B vitamins, which have much to do with nerves, the brain and moods. Leading a healthy lifestyle with a memory-supporting diet may be able to partially restore their mental functioning in the long term and help prevent dementia development. Dementia: A person's level of alertness is typically not affected until the late stages of Alzheimer's, whereas memory is significantly affected throughout the disease. 7 . Medical Conditions that Can Mimic Dementia | BrightFocus Foundation Thiamine is also a B vitamin and is found in whole-grain foods, some breakfast cereals, beans and peas, nuts and seeds. If your loved one is taking any of these medications, talk to their doctor to learn if their prescription regimen may be the cause of their memory problems. After all, dementia has no cure. Just because your TSH test comes back normal, dont assume your thyroid is fine without additional tests! A 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology shows brain imaging that detects how anti-cholinergic drugs impact the brain. Prevalence of potentially reversible dementias in a dementia outpatient clinic of a tertiary university-affiliated hospital in Brasil. Delirium vs. dementia: Symptoms and more - Medical News Today The speed of deterioration differs between individuals. Behavior can include confusion, agitation, withdrawal, fantasy stories, manic episodes, yelling, crying and agitation. [Updated 2021 Nov 20]. Is Dementia Reversible or Curable Share Watch on Contents [ show] Emmady PD, Tadi P. Dementia. June 1, 2022. . Infections such as meningitis (inflammation of membranes protecting the brain and the spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) can affect different brain functions. This Common Condition Can Easily Be Mistaken for Dementia - MSN 1 Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus WIN-Initiative / Neleman / Getty Images Commonly referred to as "water on the brain," normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition where extra spinal fluid gets trapped in the brain instead of traveling through the brain and to the spinal column. But what if it wasnt dementia? Symptoms of a head injury that mimic dementia symptoms include memory problems, mental slowness, mood swings, and brain fog. People with thyroid problems can also experience brain fog and decreased concentration. E. All of the above What is a reversible condition which could be mistaken for dementia Reversible dementia is a type of dementia where it is often a side effect or a symptom of the underlying disease. Other symptoms of a vitamin deficiency include diarrhea, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and impaired vision. My husband has Alzheimer's. Some types of drugs such as opioids for pain; benzodiazepines for anxiety or stress; antimuscarinics for urinary incontinence; and muscle relaxers for muscle tightness could cause memory loss and side effects that could be mistake for Alzheimer's disease. Other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms include thyroid disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, Lyme disease, heart and lung disease, and respiratory infections. 6 Medical Problems That Have Dementia-Like Symptoms - AARP Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all cause symptoms that can be mistaken for early signs of dementia. Celiac disease or IBD. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. Treatment with thyroid supplementation (especially medication that includes both T3 and T4) can help reverse this health condition. Medicina. Depression is a mental illness that causes people to experience continuous low moods and a loss of interest in daily life. ch. 46 confusion & dementia Flashcards | Quizlet The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. I was not expecting that there would be so many celiac disease patients with cognitive decline, he said. Issac, T. G., Soundarya, S., Christopher, R., & Chandra, S. R. (2015, March). Trouble walking (also a sign of Alzheimers and Parkinsons) When he asks about his mother and I tell him she has died he starts crying. Other symptoms include: Restlessness The question here is if depression is being mistaken for dementia. We all have days like that. Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. ALL OF THE INFORMATION IS VERY INFORMATIVE FOR ME AS A SENIOR, THAT I DID NOT KNOW. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. What is a reversible condition? Parkinson Drugs Medications are also common culprits in mental decline and dementia. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. Candida albicans is a common species of a type of fungus that grows naturally in the human gut, mouth, and vagina. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. The alcoholic dementia symptoms are varied, and this health condition can be influenced by two important factors such as Wernicke's encephalopathy and the Korsakoff syndrome. Per the Alzheimers Association, most Alzheimers patients are at least 65 years old. Take your loved one to the doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms. The International Journal of Neuroscience. The decreasing prevalence of reversible dementias. We sometimes jump to the conclusion that we are getting dementia or have Alzheimers disease. THANK YOU SO MUCH. [5], Infections are a bit tricky in the elderly. Mold allergies and mold toxicity, however, are two different things and you do not have to be allergic to mold to react negatively to toxins in the mold. Learn more about some of the most common reversible conditions, their symptoms, and how to treat them in order to hopefully reverse the dementia symptoms below. [2], Delirium is also sometimes known as potentially reversible dementia-- which isnt dementia but try saying reversible conditions that mimic dementia a couple of times. This would include a rather detailed interview with your healthcare provider-- and perhaps a referral to a specialist. Jain, K. K. (2021, September 19). Which Condition Is A Cause Of Reversible Dementia difficulty recognizing loved ones and familiar faces For every ONE case of celiac disease diagnosed, 6.4 cases of gluten intolerance remain undiagnosedmany with NO obvious GI symptoms at all. This means that adopting abrain-healthy dietand lifestyle becomes critical to offset any future dementia risks due to brain injury. Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also characterized by confusion and altered mental status, may look like dementia. Conditions that Mimic Parkinson's | Parkinson's Foundation One can replenish by the consumption of clear fluids or in some cases, through IV fluids. Adan, A., (2013, June 6). NPH is a neurological disorder marked by impaired bladder control, walking abnormalities, and dementia-like symptoms (e.g., lack of attention and focus, loss of motor control, and loss of complex cognitive function). Differences Between Delirium and Dementia - Verywell Health If caught early enough, B vitamin deficiencies can be reversible, and the proper B vitamin supplements can even slow down the onset of Alzheimers or other forms of dementia. Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus can include the following[14]: Treatment: The treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus involves surgical placement of a hollow tube in the brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid into the abdomen where it can be absorbed as a part of the normal circulatory process. Figueroa PBS, Ferreira AFF, Britto LR, Doussoulin AP, Torro ADS. Delirium may cause dementia-like symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. Irreversible dementia causes changes in behavior and personality. Some of these symptoms include balance problems, fatigue, and impaired thinking and reasoning. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Both are important for a healthy nervous system. [06], Systemic infections, including UTIs, pneumonia, HIV, Lyme disease, and COVID-19, have all been linked to cognitive decline in aging adults.[07,08]. Do infections accelerate cognitive decline? They may leave their glasses or dentures in strange places like the fridge. Elderly people in poor health and those taking several different medications are especially vulnerable. One of the more cost effective and reliable means of testing your home is with mold growth plates which can be purchased online. It is the brain lesions that could have caused Dementia. That's why it is important to report changes in your thinking skills . Drugs and Medications That Induce Dementia-Like Symptoms | BrightFocus Luckily, a balanced diet and vitamin supplements can help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. Dementia is one of the most commons forms of disability and dependency among elderly people. This is because low thyroid hormone levels or hypothyroidism can cause cognitive impairments similar to dementia. This causes a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain. However, there is another condition known to cause similar symptoms. Aging people are especially at risk of poor metabolism of B vitamins, especially B12. Mold gives off toxins which can accumulate in the body and create a variety of health problems. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 60(3), 225-231. Dementia or delirium can also result from alcohol or drug abuse, so you need to inform the healthcare practitioner if your loved one has a history of drug or alcohol problems, including abuse of over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs. According to studies, up to 23% of dementia cases arise because of potentially reversible causes.. What conditions can be mistaken for dementia? They can manifest as memory loss, general sluggishness, a flitting attention span, and depressed or apathetic mood. Early symptoms of a slow-growing brain tumor can often mimic those of dementia. Will All Dementia-Like Symptoms Go Away When The Condition Is Treated? However, this will continue to be a problem unless the underlying liver damage is corrected. In fact, most research on B vitamins shows that they actually should be taken at levels well above the current dietary recommendations. Atterton, B., Paulino, M. C., Povoa, P., & Martin-Loeches, I. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites. Older adults who have hypothyroidism will have deficits in memory, intelligence, visual perception and even motor skills such as walking. unlike true dementia, these symptoms may be reversible with treatment for depression," according to VeryWell Health. There are three common causes of altered mental status-- all of which are easy to remember since they start with the letter D: Dementia, Delirium, and Depression. In the literature, the most frequently observed potentially reversible conditions identified in patients with cognitive impairment or dementia are depression, adverse effects of drugs, drug or alcohol abuse, space-occupying lesions, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and metabolic conditions land endocrinal conditions like . A Type of Dementia That is Reversible? This Condition May Be They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. A physician who suspects other causes for dementia-like symptoms might order tests such as: The doctor may find other causes for symptoms. Sometimes its hard for them to communicate that theres something wrong. While we have mentioned the most common conditions that can mimic dementia, there are still others out there. Other causes include normal pressure hydrocephalus, neoplasms, metabolic disorders, trauma, medications and infections. Any advice? Once the candida overgrowth is eliminated, brain fog usually clears, memory improves, and people should feel as sharp as ever. Generic Name. Damages nerve cells in a similar way to chronic alcoholism or Alzheimers. Depending on their location, brain tumors can affect cognitive function and cause confusion, memory loss, and changes in personality. The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. Instead, it has a relatively poor prognosis, with 35% of those diagnosed passing on within the first year and 60% within the next five years.[1]. Depression, dementia and mental impairment are tied to B12 and also to folate deficiencies, especially in the elderly. Thank you for caring about our good health and leading by example. Delirium is a change in mental state that develops quickly and can become very serious. However, in more severe cases, the symptoms may last months or longer. Low B12 can mimic symptoms of Alzheimers or dementia, with confusion and brain fog. However, not everyone who has depression will develop dementia, and vice versa. The term dementia refers to conditions that affect remembering, thinking, and behavior. The condition is also called pernicious anemia, and it's caused by a decrease in red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12. Here are 10 potentially reversible causes of dementia symptoms . With depression, however, it is possible to reverse the condition through regular exercise, medication, stress-reduction techniques like prayer, yoga, and medication, as well as cognitive therapy. Whereas delirium is considered an acute confusional state that comes and goes, often starting just a few days or weeks ago. Samuels MH. Cognition-specific symptoms of these infections can include the following[09]: Treatment: Symptoms will usually clear up when the infection is treated and health is restored. Can dementia be cured? The following symptoms are considered hallmarks of normal pressure hydrocephalus: Difficulty walking that's sometimes compared to the way a person walks "on a boat," with the body bent forward, legs held wide apart and feet moving as if they're "glued to the deck." Mild dementia that involves loss of interest in daily activities . People often take over the counter antihistamines for seasonal allergies, but for many people, taking allergy medication can actually contribute to dementia! And this may not be the feared persistent and progressive deterioration, and we may still get our loved ones back cognitively. [8], Not to be confused with hepatic encephalopathy, which is impaired brain function due to an alcohol-damaged liver--- too damaged to process the ammonia that a normal persons body can go through. Yeast overgrowth also crowds out the beneficial bacteria in the gut, causing an imbalance in healthy gut bacteria. [ 2] even if the test for celiac disease is negative. If left untreated, the bacteria can also move to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which becomes even more serious. Strong odor to the urine. Excessive use of alcohol can also result in another form of B vitamin-related dementia, called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, which is caused by severe, long term deficiencies of the B vitamin thiamine. While the standard gluten sensitivity lab test may turn up negative, one can still have serious physical and mental reactions to gluten and other components in wheat, rye and barley. PsychCentral. This causes a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain. What is a reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia? This may lead to frustration, aggression, and behavioral changes. Identifying Reversible Conditions Mistaken For Dementia In many cases if doctors can find what caused the delirium and treat the cause, then the dysfunction may be reversed. A vitamin deficiency can cause issues such as behavioral changes, depression, and poor recollection. Drug-induced dementia. poor nutrition. Delirium may be mistaken for dementia in some people. This fermentation process produces chemical byproducts, alcohol and acetaldehyde, which are actually toxic to the body. . Psychiatric Disorders. Other routine Alzheimers diagnostics may include a mental cognitive status test, a neurological exam, depression screen and mood assessment, thyroid tests, metabolic screening, and urinalysis, according to the Alzheimers Association. The most common irreversible types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease Vascular dementia Lewy body dementia Parkinson's disease Frontotemporal dementia Huntington's disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Chronic traumatic encephalopathy Pick's disease . Symptoms or conditions mistaken for dementia | Bupa UK Symptoms usually disappear after treatment of the original medical condition, coining the termreversible dementia. dementia is NOT a normal part of aging. It can also cause speech problems, changes in mood and behavior, headache, nausea, and vision problems. Hallucinations difficulties walking or moving around. Chemotherapy Dementia is the loss of cognitive function and affects daily life and activities by interfering with ones ability to think, remember, and reason. Many people worry about becoming forgetful. Depression is also common in the elderly, with approximately 6 million people over age 65 suffering from the condition. A new study by The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging at Trinity College in Dublin has found that an alarming number of older adults over 50 are deficient in both vitamin B12 and folate, another B vitamin. 4 medical issues that could be mistaken for Alzheimer's disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470344/, Your Immune System: How it Works and Ways to Boost it, To Add Life To Years: Meeting the Emotional Needs of Your Elderly Loved Ones, Heel Spurs: A Potential Cause of Heel Pain, Strength Matters: Recommendations for Physical Activity in Older Adults. Dementia and Alzheimers disease are words that strike fear into many of us. In the later stages of the disease, people with dementia may benefit from care at a memory care community. In the literature, the most frequently observed potentially reversible conditions identified in patients with cognitive impairment or dementia are depression, adverse effects of drugs, drug or alcohol abuse, space-occupying lesions, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and metabolic conditions land endocrinal conditions like hypothyroidism and Our vision is to be the most trusted source of information and support for seniors and their families. Alzheimers Association. Age, general health and the underlying disease causing brain damage will all affect the pattern of progression. Dementia, on the other hand, isnt a specific disease. You might find them in the middle of a task, having forgotten what they were doing just then. Depression symptoms that mimic dementia can include the following[03]: Treatment: Because depression involves ones emotional and physical health, there isnt one simple fix for it. Nirali Desai is a copywriter at A Place for Mom. The classic symptoms of gluten sensitivity show up as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, cramping and nutrient deficiencies. Depression. Severe depression when untreated can cause " pseudodementia ". Your email address will not be published. The cognitive symptoms of the brain disorder, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, is linked to excess cerebrospinal fluid the accumulates in the brain's ventricles, which are fluid-filled chambers. [6] However, it is also important to note that thyroid dysfunctions are associated with a very specific kind of dementia-- Alzheimers dementia. Other symptoms of dementia of various types include: short-term memory loss If someone is clinically depressed, they will exhibit low mood, loss of interest and concentration, and disturbed sleep. Mills, B. Sleep problems can cause dementia-like symptoms such as trouble focusing, mental fatigue, confusion, and irritability. Altered mental status generally refers to the change in cognition or level of consciousness, as we have mentioned earlier. Two common examples are dementia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Women who have passed menopause age are at a higher risk for UTIs because they dont have as much estrogen in their system. Thousands of Canadians who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and dementia may actually have a rare "impostor" syndrome that can be reversed with surgery, and a new clinic in .