I'm a senior care specialist trained to match you with the care option that is best for you. Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Options. Symptoms of a head injury that mimic dementia symptoms include memory problems, mental slowness, mood swings, and brain fog. infection. At worst, they lose the ability to take care of themselves.[1]. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Medical conditions, disorders, and medication side effects can often cause impairments in memory that can sometimes be misdiagnosed as dementia. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in the brains cavities. (2020, May 18). However, there are reversible conditions that masquerade as dementia because of their dementia-like cognitive symptoms. 1. Kazui, H. (2008, March). Learn . even if the test for celiac disease is negative. Other symptoms associated with B vitamin deficiency include: Pins and needs feeling in hands and feet But not all people with memory problems have Alzheimer's. Other causes for memory problems can include aging, medical conditions, emotional problems, mild cognitive impairment, or another type of dementia. Takada LT, Caramelli P, Radanovic M, et al. 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. However, this will continue to be a problem unless the underlying liver damage is corrected. And, people who take medication for stomach acid reduction are at very high risk for a B12 deficiency. Dementia in your family. 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 technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. They may let the patient answer a battery of tests, and theyre not graded, so dont worry! They can be treated as long as the underlying cause is appropriately identified. Skip to the front of the line by calling (888) 848-5724. 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. As people age, the ability to absorb B12 declines. 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). You might find them in the middle of a task, having forgotten what they were doing just then. If left untreated, the bacteria can also move to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which becomes even more serious. The most common types of dementia including Alzheimers, vascular, Lewy Body, and frontotemporal are still irreversible and incurable. It is the brain lesions that could have caused Dementia. The decline in mental function interferes with your daily life and activities. Association between thyroid function and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. Another problem with gluten is overall increase in inflammation in the body, which can trigger dementia and brain fog. 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. Other dementia disorders are: Dementia is a common concern in geriatric care as aging is one of the risk factors for developing a brain disorder that falls under this umbrella term. The most common causes of irreversible dementia include: What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause various symptoms to appear over time. 7 Reversible Health Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia. If left untreated, this deficiency can cause severe neurological problems and blood diseases, according to Harvard Health. I was not expecting that there would be so many celiac disease patients with cognitive decline, he said. 21(5), 377-383. A reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia is hypothyroidisma condition in which the thyroid gland doesnt create and release enough thyroid hormone into ones bloodstream. Thiamine is also a B vitamin and is found in whole-grain foods, some breakfast cereals, beans and peas, nuts and seeds. They can manifest as memory loss, general sluggishness, a flitting attention span, and depressed or apathetic mood. Treating bruising, bleeding, or clotting on the brain within weeks of the injury may restore mental function. Clarfield, A. M. (2003, October 13). That means that only about 15 percent of people with gluten issues are actually diagnosed. 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. Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. In particular, those two words are bound to be frightening to just about anyone. Your loved one may be diagnosed with new conditions, be prone to more infections, and begin to depend on multiple medications. Other symptoms include: Restlessness Gluten reactions and celiac disease are reactions to gluten in wheat, rye, and barley. In fact, most research on B vitamins shows that they actually should be taken at levels well above the current dietary recommendations. The good news is that once a mold toxicity diagnosis is made, this can be a very treatable and reversible condition. Early diagnosis and treatment for these conditions may help alleviate and potentially even reverse your loved ones cognitive symptoms. Some companies specialize in mold testing and mold mitigation. Low B12 is actually associated with brain shrinkage, along with diminished brain function. Antihistamines 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. Certain types of TBIs, or repeated mild TBIs, may even increase the risk of developing dementia years after the injury takes place.[10]. Is dementia completely reversible? 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. Tripathi, M. & Vibha, D. (2009, January). 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. When cases are mild, they can be managed with an ER visit or a short hospital stay. Memory functioning is usually less affected in delirium but the ability to focus and maintain attention to something or . However, the reality is that the lines blur when we discuss persistent delirium or reversible dementia and one may be mistaken for the other. Irritability These tests can diagnose the issue, pinpoint where their symptoms are coming from, and provide solutions such as prescriptions for eye glasses or hearing aids. depression is the most common mental health problem in older . If necessary, a doctor may be able to reduce, replace, or eliminate certain medications in order to help reverse dementia-like symptoms. A well-known neurologist from Mayo Clinic, Keith Josephs, MD made the connection between gluten and dementia when he examined a patient suspected of having a type of dementia called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Reversible dementias Altered mental status generally refers to the change in cognition or level of consciousness, as we have mentioned earlier. Treatment and controlling for depression through lifestyle or other changes can help improve symptoms. Extreme fatigue Is this a sign of early dementia? Technically, dementia is characterized by something that is chronic or takes a long time to develop. Will All Dementia-Like Symptoms Go Away When The Condition Is Treated? Severe dehydration has been linked to decreased cognitive performance, especially in older adults.[17]. Should I lie to him? delirium & depression can be mistaken for false dementia (pseudodementia) delirium is usually temporary or reversible, it occurs w/ physical & mental illness. Whatare the cognitive symptoms of depression? Even today, there is no known cure for Alzheimers and other types of dementia. Thyroid dysfunction has been implicated as a cause of reversible cognitive impairment and as such, the thyroid stimulating hormone has long been part of the screening laboratory test for dementia. They may get lost in places that used to be very familiar to them. If youre caring for a loved one with dementia at home, consider exploring AgingCares online support group for caregivers for helpful tips and advice. Kuswardhani RAT, Sugi YS. reversible as the cognitive impairment can be remedied by supporting the clearance of ammonia. Seniors facing retirement and health crises often seek new housing in senior retirement communities or assisted living facilities as their situation and health needs change. When in doubt, it may be worth seeing if this is an infection in hiding. In order to ensure a proper diagnosis, your loved ones doctor will likely conduct diagnostic tests and perform a physical examination. Head trauma can even be life threatening, so its important to take aggressive steps to care for any head injury until dementia symptoms eventually dissipate. Certain types of dementia, including Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, Parkinsons disease related dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia arent reversible. Privacy&Terms. This issort ofreversible as the cognitive impairment can be remedied by supporting the clearance of ammonia. Some medications have even been linked to cognitive decline. Many people worry about becoming forgetful. B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, often manifest in brain function problems, or nerve dysfunction, such as numbness and tingling in feet and hands. Corticosteroids Randall has experience managing the care of elderly parents who lived with his family and other relatives with dementia, so he writes in the area of senior living and care with considerable experience. This impaired thinking may also affect verbal skills. 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. [15], Vitamin B12 deficiencyis common in seniors, and it has been linked to increasing levels of cognitive decline and vascular risk factors.[16]. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. NPH normally occurs spontaneously, but it can also result from head trauma, brain hemorrhage, or meningitis. MedLink Neurology. Low thyroid also causes low levels of essential brain chemicals such as dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, which have been associated with poor brain health and issues such as dementia, depression, and even Parkinsons disease. Cardiovascular Drugs By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN,co-author of the best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen,The Top 101 Foods , I am sorry that you did not mention Fibromyalgia myalgia in you list of possible causes of dementia It is well known that fibromyalgia causes a condition known as fibrofogwhere you cant remember names or cant think of a subject that is under under discussion ,etc. Other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms include thyroid disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, Lyme disease, heart and lung disease, and respiratory infections. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. Toxic mold actually gives off volatile toxic vapors that float around in the air causing a chronic inflammatory response. The most common causes of reversible dementia are depression, delirium, and drug toxicity. 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. immune system may not be as strong as it used to be, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557444/. This is. Dementia is the loss of cognitive function and affects daily life and activities by interfering with ones ability to think, remember, and reason. However, these signs and symptoms dont always result in a permanent dementia diagnosis. They can also sometimes trigger other symptoms like headaches, seizures, or vomiting. Inflammation is one of the triggers that helps push people towards Alzheimers disease and dementia. Your email address will not be published. A TBI is diagnosed by health care professionals through an evaluation of how the injury happened and an examination of brain functions, reflexes, and senses. What is a reversible condition? Anti-cholinergic drugs include some antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Hypothyroidism often occurs in middle age or elderly people with more females than males affected (about 1 male to every 5 females). These include slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity), and resting tremor. Just because your TSH test comes back normal, dont assume your thyroid is fine without additional tests! Copyright 2023 A Place for Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Researchers have found that more than 18% of dementias are reversible in the younger group but only 5% in the older population. How to find clinical trials for Alzheimer's? We all have days like that. [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. Did you know that older women who live in areas where air pollution is worse are 92% more likely to develop dementia than those who live in areas with cleaner air, according to a 2017 study. I finally got into a Nurse Practitioner who worked for a D.O at a holistic type of clinic. Typical dementia symptoms and signs include the following: Sometimes, these dementia signs are also seen in other health conditions due to effects on the brain. Previously, Nirali worked in social media and marketing, edited a regional senior magazine, and wrote for the American Red Cross. Dementia, on the other hand, isnt a specific disease. Diabetes What is a reversible condition which could be mistaken for dementia? Gogia B, Fang X. Differentiating Delirium Versus Dementia in the Elderly. Doctors often diagnose dementia as a generalized disorder that affects the brain causing memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and even physical manifestations. Older adults already have less of these key brain chemicals because our bodies produce less as we age. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Is delirium mistaken for dementia? Symptoms usually disappear after treatment of the original medical condition, coining the termreversible dementia. Getting systemic infections like UTIs under control can help prevent dementia-like symptoms. Can people with dementia have what they call "show-timer's?". 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. Depression is also common in the elderly, with approximately 6 million people over age 65 suffering from the condition. What conditions can be mistaken for dementia? Delirium is also sometimes known as potentially reversible dementia-- which isnt dementia but try saying reversible conditions that mimic dementia a couple of times. Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. Causes a deficiency in vitamin B1, which plays a critical role in brain function. Sores in mouth or on tongue What Are Some Of The Common Causes Of Dementia? Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. It's usually the reaction of the brain to a separate medical problem (or several medical problems at once). 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 . Many people with a low thyroid will have trouble converting T3 to T4, especially if they have poor gut health. Here are 10 potentially reversible causes of dementia symptoms . When the underlying cause of delirium is addressed, the cognitive symptomstypicallyfade over time. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Clinicians sometimes misdiagnose it because other conditions mimic dementia. 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. Flavoring water with fruit like lemon, or using smaller, less daunting glasses, might help. If someone doesn't get enough of either of these vitamins, they can have symptoms that could be mistaken for dementia. A physician who suspects other causes for dementia-like symptoms might order tests such as: The doctor may find other causes for symptoms. Available from: Vasan S, Kumar A. Wernicke Encephalopathy. However, when the yeast infection was eliminated, memory and confusion went away. What is a reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia? In addition, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency may cause homocysteine levels to rise. Hallucinations Any advice? Is it? Normal pressure hydrocephalus. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity. Decline in memory, problem-solving, thinking, and judgment are commonly seen in dementia. Cognitive Vitality. In other similar cases, the celiac symptoms and mental decline occurred simultaneously. Is it something Im taking? Medications that can mimic dementia. . 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. Signs of extreme dehydration can impact the following: Treatment: Dementia symptoms usually go away when the body is replenished with fluids. And this may not be the feared persistent and progressive deterioration, and we may still get our loved ones back cognitively.