A thorough clinical evaluation is necessary to determine whether someone has dementia or not. 3 . Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Options. Is it something Im taking? Medications that can mimic dementia. One of the most important things to note is that many health conditions can create similar symptoms to dementia. Thyroid dysfunction is often associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimers disease. Thank you for caring about our good health and leading by example. Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism, Memory improvement with treatment of hypothyroidism, Cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, Vitamin B12 deficiency: An important reversible co-morbidity in neuropsychiatric manifestations, Best Meals and Dining in Senior Living Awards. Other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms include thyroid disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, Lyme disease, heart and lung disease, and respiratory infections. She focuses on life enrichment opportunities and memory care. Sores in mouth or on tongue Celiac disease or IBD. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Medications with significant anticholinergic properties include: Dementia symptoms related to anticholinergic medicationscan include [05]: Treatment: Drug-induced dementia is usually reversible with the discontinuation of the offending drug or alteration of the patients current medications. This Common Condition Can Easily Be Mistaken for Dementia, Experts Say Conditions that involve cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer'sa progressive disease that is the most common cause. 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. Many people wonder what the top three reversible symptoms or conditions that could be mistaken for dementia are, however, there are many more than three. However, its important to note that dementia is not a necessary part of aging. Many people worry about becoming forgetful. Alcohol Infections that can cause dementia. However, not everyone who has depression will develop dementia, and vice versa. Hypothyroidism often occurs in middle age or elderly people with more females than males affected (about 1 male to every 5 females). difficulty following a conversation According to studies, up to 23% of dementia cases arise because of potentially reversible causes.. It is important to have a full thyroid panel done to show T3, T4 and free and total levels as well. UTIs result when bacteria, often e.coli bacteria, enters the urethra and travels to the bladder. Can dementia get worse suddenly? They can become systemic and wreak havoc on a persons mental clarity, potentially causing agitation, sudden confusion, or withdrawal. Symptoms include sleeping problems, lack of interest in past hobbies, memory loss, feelings of disorientation, and lack of self-care. Some medications have even been linked to cognitive decline. As people age, the ability to absorb B12 declines. An issue with a persons ability to hear or see can reduce their ability to take in information. Delirium may cause dementia-like symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may follow a fall, sports injury, or motor vehicle accident, and theyve been linked with dementia due to their direct impact on the brain. The most common causes of reversible dementia are depression, delirium, and drug toxicity. Breathing in tiny particles that float around in dirty air can trigger inflammation throughout the body and brain. Your email address will not be published. Many patients have recovered mental function when they followed gluten-free diets. These include: Memory loss. 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. The link was the strongest in women who inherited the APOE4 gene and area more susceptible to Alzheimers disease. Also have frequent blood tests and semi annual saliva tests to keep the endocrine system in balance. Its typically seen in older adults [13]and has been linked to impairments in memory. 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. However, other subtle symptoms of gluten sensitivity include headaches, skin rashes, skin breakouts, brain fog, depression, anxiety, ADHD and even anemia, even if the test for celiac disease is negative. Depression is a common reversible dementia condition. The search for treatable conditions may be stopped too early. These signs are similar to Alzheimers and other types of dementia. There are various conditions, diseases, injuries, and infections that can cause seniors to experience dementia-like symptoms, including confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Short-term, in-home care or monitoring may also help the patient get back on their feet. That's why it is important to report changes in your thinking skills . Parkinson Drugs 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. Here are 10 potentially reversible causes of dementia symptoms . Symptoms associated with dementia may include memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can cause confusion that makes it look like their mental abilities are affected. That's because anticholinergic drugsblock brain chemicals used for learning, memory, and muscle functions. Dementia, on the other hand, isnt a specific disease. Treating bruising, bleeding, or clotting on the brain within weeks of the injury may restore mental function. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Major depressive disorder the chronic feeling of intense sadness is the most common potentially reversible dementia-like condition. unlike true dementia, these symptoms may be reversible with treatment for depression," according to VeryWell Health. Benztropine, Tolterodine, Dicyclomine. At worst, they lose the ability to take care of themselves. Who hasnt lost a train of thought every once in a while? You can try to read passages from the "Dementia Praecox . When the bodys immune function is low, candida (see below) and other opportunistic organisms will grow out of hand. 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. 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]. Do infections accelerate cognitive decline? Poor . Some treatments include using natural binders such as charcoal and clay, which trap the toxins and to remove them from the body. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all cause symptoms that can be mistaken for early signs of dementia. 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 Depression and dementia are both common in later years, and each can lead to the other, according to Harvard Health Publishing. At worst, they lose the ability to take care of themselves.[1]. All of these factors may affect their cognitive function, resulting in a potential dementia diagnosis or, in the best case scenario, a reversible form of dementia. 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. Alzheimers Association. AgingCare.com connects families who are caring for aging parents, spouses, or other elderly loved ones with the information and support they need to make informed caregiving decisions. Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. Medicina. [15], Vitamin B12 deficiencyis common in seniors, and it has been linked to increasing levels of cognitive decline and vascular risk factors.[16]. People often take over the counter antihistamines for seasonal allergies, but for many people, taking allergy medication can actually contribute to dementia! 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. Diabetes Altered mental status generally refers to the change in cognition or level of consciousness, as we have mentioned earlier. The decreasing prevalence of reversible dementias. They may leave their glasses or dentures in strange places like the fridge. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. Aging people are especially at risk of poor metabolism of B vitamins, especially B12. Extreme fatigue Can dementia be cured? It hits you like a speeding truck hanging on worn brakes. How to find clinical trials for Alzheimer's? Is there anything I can do to make her feel better? Sedatives. In addition, many people do not metabolize B vitamins well enough to have them do what is necessary to preserve health. 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. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; AgingCare does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites. The condition has been linked to subtle decline in memory and executive function. She did a saliva test along with a more extensive blood test for Free & Thyroid antibodies. Among older people, depression can cause memory impairment and disorientation. Sometimes its hard for them to communicate that theres something wrong. 1. Sometimes, they may have problems doing things they used to do, such as getting dressed for a party or preparing their food. But often as we get older, forgetfulness tends to cause more than just temporary anxiety. Elderly people in poor health and those taking several different medications are especially vulnerable. Prevalence of treatable and reversible dementias: A study in a dementia outpatient clinic. She enjoys writing fiction on the side when shes not tending to her plants and three pet turtles. In order to reverse these dementia-like symptoms, its important to train your body to have natural, healthy sleep patterns. 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. 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. A study showed that out of 340 patients seen in a Behavioral Neurology Outpatient Unit, around 20% of the cases were found to have reversible causes. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all cause symptoms that can be mistaken for early signs of dementia.ContentsWhat reversible condition in which can be mistaken for dementia is?What is an example of a reversible cause of dementia?Is there. mood changes Nirali Desai is a copywriter at A Place for Mom. A new study, which appears in the journal Nature Communications, shows that this fungal infection can also enter the brain, causing inflammation and impairing memory, much like dementia. (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). But, depression is also the most treatable of all mental illnesses. If your loved one has been showing dementia-like symptoms, schedule an appointment with their doctor. Dementia leads to the death of brain cells (neurons) and loss of brain tissue throughout the brain. They can manifest as memory loss, general sluggishness, a flitting attention span, and depressed or apathetic mood. Privacy&Terms. 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). While we have mentioned the most common conditions that can mimic dementia, there are still others out there. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, judgement and even movement. Home care offers support and respite for families caring for a loved one with dementia at home. While this patient did not have CJD, they did have celiac disease with dementia as a result. The bodys inability to correctly absorb B12, a vitamin found in animal products like meat, cheese, eggs and milk, has been linked to neurological disorders. 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. Reversible dementia is a type of dementia where it is often a side effect or a symptom of the underlying disease. It's Not Necessarily Alzheimer's More than 50 conditions can cause or mimic the symptoms of dementia, and a small percentage of dementias are reversible. Adan, A., (2013, June 6). (2021, June 16). Depending on their location, brain tumors can affect cognitive function and cause confusion, memory loss, and changes in personality. This yeast is mostly harmless, but in many people, it can grow out of control, causing a wide range of health issues including thrush (yeast infection in mouth), vaginal yeast infections, bladder infections, toenail fungus, brain fog and confusion. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. (2020, July 9). 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. In some cases, a CT scan might even be done. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Available from: Vasan S, Kumar A. Wernicke Encephalopathy. In particular, those two words are bound to be frightening to just about anyone. Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. At the age of 40, Mike now feels healthier, stronger, and more energetic than when he was 20 All because of a healthy lifestyle and great nutrition! Irritability 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. Generic Name. 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! Learn . 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. Takada LT, Caramelli P, Radanovic M, et al. 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. Commonly prescribed medications may cause symptoms that mimic dementia. infection. 1. The speed of deterioration differs between individuals. A physician who suspects other causes for dementia-like symptoms might order tests such as: The doctor may find other causes for symptoms. Samuels, M. H. (2015, October 1). Other symptoms include: Restlessness Food allergies The condition has been linked to subtle decline in memory and executive function. Flavoring water with fruit like lemon, or using smaller, less daunting glasses, might help. When left untreated, it can infect the bladder and the kidney. Antibiotics are given to clear up the infection and should be given as soon as possible. Other things that can cause yeast to grow out of control include: Antibiotics The cognitive impact of anticholinergics: A clinical review. Earlier, we mentioned that doctors might take a patients thyroid hormone levels when evaluating dementia. Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism.