Sources: Whats causing your memory loss? Top 6 Conditions That Are Commonly Misdiagnosed As Alzheimer's Disease Hormonal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, anemia, infections, alcoholism and even atherosclerosis are just a few examples of other underlying conditions that can alter one's mental state. Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also characterized by confusion and altered mental status, may look like dementia. E. All of the above Alzheimers itself does not have a specific test to determine its presence; doctors merely rely on a cluster of symptoms to recognize it. Delirium Delirium happens when there is a sudden change in the brain that causes emotional disruption and mental confusion. The good news is that these cognitive symptoms are largely reversible with the proper thyroid hormone treatment. Age, general health and the underlying disease causing brain damage will all affect the pattern of progression. Niacin (B3) deficiency is a known cause of pellagra, a disease characterized by symptoms of dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis that can be resolved through niacin supplementation. Vitamin B12 deficiency: An important reversible co-morbidity in neuropsychiatric manifestations. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Some types of dementia are reversible Normal pressure hydrocephalus, caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid, can be helped by surgical intervention. Symptoms associated with dementia may include memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of these potential conditions can include the following: Over time, regular, excessive consumption of alcohol can cause memory, orientation, and attention span to deteriorate. It first affects the part of the brain responsible for learning; its why the earliest symptoms include difficulty recalling things and learning new information. Older adults already have less of these key brain chemicals because our bodies produce less as we age. When left untreated, it can infect the bladder and the kidney. Once a senior has decided to move to a senior living community or assisted living, how can they and family members make the move a smooth one? even if the test for celiac disease is negative. Other causes include normal pressure hydrocephalus, neoplasms, metabolic disorders, trauma, medications and infections. Jain, K. K. (2021, September 19). Dementia: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Treatment & Risk Factors [15], Vitamin B12 deficiencyis common in seniors, and it has been linked to increasing levels of cognitive decline and vascular risk factors.[16]. June 1, 2022. . Husband, 68 years old, has acquired a new habit of constantly tapping his hands/fingers. Getting systemic infections like UTIs under control can help prevent dementia-like symptoms. Inflammation from environmental allergies like dust, mold and pollen, can create brain fog, which over time can cause chronic forgetfulness, memory issues, and slowed responses, leading to dementia. Worth noting is that depression can be one of the signs of dementia. Reversible Conditions That Could Be Mistaken For Dementia (2022) immune system may not be as strong as it used to be, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557444/. Can dementia get worse suddenly? What Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Dementia What is a reversible condition which could be mistaken for dementia? . They can also sometimes trigger other symptoms like headaches, seizures, or vomiting. Treatment and controlling for depression through lifestyle or other changes can help improve symptoms. Delirium may cause dementia-like symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. Another very common symptom of Candida overgrowth is intense sugar cravingsthose are actually the little yeasts in the gut telling their host to feed them! reversible as the cognitive impairment can be remedied by supporting the clearance of ammonia. TBIs may cause dementia-like symptoms that can include the following[10]: Treatment: Specialized hospital care and inpatient rehabilitation can typically reverse dementia induced by TBI. It hits you like a speeding truck hanging on worn brakes. Adan, A., (2013, June 6). Your loved one may be diagnosed with new conditions, be prone to more infections, and begin to depend on multiple medications. Signs of extreme dehydration can impact the following: Treatment: Dementia symptoms usually go away when the body is replenished with fluids. Vegans cannot get B12 from their diets, and so are often deficient in B12, as well as people who take metformin for diabetes. Identifying Reversible Conditions Mistaken For Dementia As POA for my dad, I have a huge decision: Surgery or pain management? As we age, the liver becomes less efficient at metabolizing toxins and drugs, and the body has a harder time getting rid of these potentially harmful products. Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Options. Clinicians sometimes misdiagnose it because other conditions mimic dementia. In a 2017 study, in 3 months, 60 elderly patients were hospitalized for delirium with infection as the cause. When the bodys immune function is low, candida (see below) and other opportunistic organisms will grow out of hand. Severe dehydration has been linked to decreased cognitive performance, especially in older adults.[17]. Some of these medications include statins, which are used to treat high cholesterol; acetylcholine blockers, which are often used to treat medical conditions like insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome; benzodiazepines, used to treat anxiety or insomnia; pain medications, such as opioids; corticosteroids, such as prednisone; and chemotherapy, which is used to treat cancer. You might find them in the middle of a task, having forgotten what they were doing just then. B6 should be taken in the form of Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, or P-5-P or PLP, instead of the more common form of pyridoxine hydrochloride. Cognitive symptoms of hypothyroidism can include a decline in the following[11]: Treatment: Medications used to treat hypothyroidism, such as levothyroxine, can clear up memory impairments associated with the condition.[12]. AgingCare.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; or legal, or financial or any other professional services advice. The good news is that once a mold toxicity diagnosis is made, this can be a very treatable and reversible condition. depression is the most common mental health problem in older . Mike Geary has been a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer for over 15 years now. 31(2), 71-78. If you search out dementia online, youre likely to find that it is characterized by a persistent and progressive deterioration of cognitive function.[1]Persistent and progressive. This issort ofreversible as the cognitive impairment can be remedied by supporting the clearance of ammonia. Can a blood test detect dementia? - harobalesa.jodymaroni.com (2021). Depression is a common reversible dementia condition. 7 . National Library of Medicine. 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. Dementia in your family. A physician who suspects other causes for dementia-like symptoms might order tests such as: The doctor may find other causes for symptoms. Reversible Conditions Mistaken For Dementia. If someone doesn't get enough of either of these vitamins, they can have symptoms that could be mistaken for dementia. When the underlying cause of delirium is addressed, the cognitive symptomstypicallyfade over time. Several other health conditions have symptoms that mimic dementia, and if treated, those symptoms can be dealt with. What other conditions can be mistaken for dementia? One of them is black mold. ALZHEIMER'S TRAINING POST TEST - IA Rugby.com Fast heart rate Candida albicans is a common species of a type of fungus that grows naturally in the human gut, mouth, and vagina. The Mayo Clinic lists similar symptoms between Alzheimer's disease and . Dementia Praecox was the type of dementia that involved brain lesions post mortem. Alcohol-Induced Dementia: Decay Symptoms, Stages and Treatment [04]Acetylcholine naturally decreases during the aging process, so anticholinergic medications are especially dangerous for an elderly persons cognitive health. Thyroid function and Alzheimer's disease - PubMed They may have problems focusing, holding, and . The gradual progression of hypothyroidism can make it hard to distinguish from primary dementia. Certain types of TBIs, or repeated mild TBIs, may even increase the risk of developing dementia years after the injury takes place.[10]. It's estimated that about 50% of people age 85 and older have dementia. The most important thing to remember about the link between UTI and dementia is that the behavior change is usually very noticeable, and happens quickly, usually over a period of one to two days. What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? Mold toxicity can manifest with so many different and diverse symptoms, that it is frequently misdiagnosed. Currently, she is involved in medical research as well as volunteer telemedicine consults. Problems with thinking clearly, loss of memory, brain fog When he asks about his mother and I tell him she has died he starts crying. Any advice? 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). conditions that cause dementia-like symptoms, Depression and dementia are both common in later years, medications may cause symptoms that mimic dementia, https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/lifestyle-changes-can-help-prevent-dementia/, https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/is-it-something-im-taking-medications-that-can-mimic-dementia, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests, Mild Cognitive Impairment: 10 Things to Know, Dementia Behavior Can Seem Like Manipulation. Some medications have even been linked to cognitive decline. Drug-induced dementia. 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. Problems that can cause delirium include: pain. Ellison, J. M. (2021, July 15). Delirium vs. dementia: Symptoms and more - Medical News Today forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, but is potentially reversible . If your loved one has been showing dementia-like symptoms, schedule an appointment with their doctor. The search for treatable conditions may be stopped too early. (https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm)Lifestyle changes can help prevent dementia (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/lifestyle-changes-can-help-prevent-dementia/)Is It Something Im Taking? Medications That Can Mimic Dementia (https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/is-it-something-im-taking-medications-that-can-mimic-dementia)Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky and harmful (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780)Medical tests for diagnosing Alzheimers (https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests). Depression is also common in the elderly, with approximately 6 million people over age 65 suffering from the condition. 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. Association between thyroid function and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. Mike is an avid adventurist and when hes not spending his time skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or paddleboarding on the lake, he has enjoyed skydiving, whitewater rafting, piloting an Italian fighter plane (seriously), scuba diving, heli-skiing, and traveling all around the world, enjoying learning about different cultures. Among the different infections, 55% had pneumonia and 27% had urinary tract infections. Other symptoms associated with B vitamin deficiency include: Pins and needs feeling in hands and feet No wonder i had health issues! This is something best discussed with your healthcare practitioner. If your loved one has reversible dementia-like conditions, the symptoms can go away, or at least be stabilized, once the cause is determined and addressed. What conditions can be mistaken for dementia? A doctor can then help identify the cause of their delirium and recommend treatment. After assessing what they Senior Living Tips For Moving To A New Community. The B-vitamins, including vitamins B12, B6, B1, B2, niacin (B3) and folate (B9), have been implicated as protective risk factors against cognitive decline and Alzheimers disease. I'm a senior care specialist trained to match you with the care option that is best for you. Nirali Desai is a copywriter at A Place for Mom. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? BrightFocus Foundation. Required fields are marked *. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Inflammation is one of the triggers that helps push people towards Alzheimers disease and dementia. Keep in mind it may sometimes take 6 months or more for the body to fully recover from the inflammation and chronic reactions from gluten. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Depression and dementia are both common in later years, and each can lead to the other, according to Harvard Health Publishing. I was not expecting that there would be so many celiac disease patients with cognitive decline, he said. Surgeons have set up a one-stop clinic to treat patients with a condition often mistaken for Alzheimer's disease. In a study where 9% of dementia patients had potentially reversible causes, only less than 1% of cases were actually reversed.[01]. Identifying Reversible Conditions Mistaken For Dementia Written by Randell S. in Health & Care, Alzheimers & Dementia Last Updated December 27, 2022 Dementia is often marked by depression, confusion, and memory loss. To alleviate and even reverse symptoms, make sure your loved one receives professional vision and hearing tests. Behavior can include confusion, agitation, withdrawal, fantasy stories, manic episodes, yelling, crying and agitation. National Institute of Health. If you think your loved one is experiencing dementia symptoms due to one of the conditions above, talk to their doctor. Could changes in thinking skills be reversible dementia? Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these diseases can help prevent dementia-like symptoms from worsening and, in some cases, reverse the symptoms altogether. Other times they might not notice it. Other things that can cause yeast to grow out of control include: Antibiotics There are many other reasons why you may be experiencing cognitive problems, including stress, depression, and even vitamin deficiencies. Severe depression when untreated can cause " pseudodementia ". Corticosteroids In: Bello VME, Schultz RR. Early symptoms of a slow-growing brain tumor can often mimic those of dementia. By utilizing MRI and PET scan imaging technology, the researchers were able to show how people taking anti-cholinergic drugs experienced lower brain metabolism and higher brain atrophy. Family history, poor heart health, and having a head injury can also increase ones likelihood. Anti-cholinergic drugs include some antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Dementia can manifest in many different ways. Aging people are especially at risk of poor metabolism of B vitamins, especially B12. Is there anything I can do to make her feel better? They can also cause irritability, and even depression and anxiety. Anti-anxiety and Sleeping-Pill Medications (Benzodiazepines) Lorazepam, Diazepam, Temazepam, Clonazepam. However, in more severe cases, the symptoms may last months or longer. 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. difficulty following a conversation List the three stages of . So, a doctor may call a celiac test negative for celiac disease even in the presence of bad reactions to other wheat proteins or transglutaminases. Whereas delirium is considered an acute confusional state that comes and goes, often starting just a few days or weeks ago. Differences Between Delirium and Dementia - Verywell Health loss of sense of direction Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. The question here is if depression is being mistaken for dementia. For every ONE case of celiac disease diagnosed, 6.4 cases of gluten intolerance remain undiagnosedmany with NO obvious GI symptoms at all. Breathing in tiny particles that float around in dirty air can trigger inflammation throughout the body and brain. 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 . Chemotherapy Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. Certain types of dementia, including Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, Parkinsons disease related dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia arent reversible. 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. People who possess the MTHFR gene variant (present in 50-70% of population), or who have Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or problems with their gut microbiome may also be susceptible to B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12 and B9 (folate). Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia and is more prevalent among older people. With this procedure, dementia can be controlled or reversed. Do you think your husband has early dementia? Other symptoms include: Restlessness Especially in the elderly, delirium may be triggered by several problems. I'm matching you with one of our specialists who will be calling you in the next few minutes. Mills, B. What is a reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia? There are several physical illnesses, like infections and vitamin deficiencies, that can mimic the symptoms of dementia. 7 Reversible Health Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia However, there is another condition known to cause similar symptoms. What is a reversible form of dementia? 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. Short-term, in-home care or monitoring may also help the patient get back on their feet. Get personalized guidance from a dedicated local advisor. While frequent urination and blood in the urine are common signs, UTI can cause increased agitation, confusion, and even withdrawal.