Several other health conditions have symptoms that mimic dementia, and if treated, those symptoms can be dealt with. Some drugs, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol abuse, depression, and brain tumors can cause dementia-like symptoms. Behavior can include confusion, agitation, withdrawal, fantasy stories, manic episodes, yelling, crying and agitation. We are the most comprehensive resource for seniors and their families. loss of sense of direction Our vision is to be the most trusted source of information and support for seniors and their families. Lastly, the doctor might request for laboratory tests to be done. 6. June 1, 2022. . Traumatic brain injury (TBI). 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. Lovering, N. & Wade, Danielle. Urinary tract infections are fairly common in elderly people and while most of us recognize a UTI by the burning feeling and urgency when we urinate, often the first sign in an elderly person is sudden onset dementia. Light, continuous bruising or bleeding on the brain can also lead to dementia. A few of these molds can be very toxic to humans. 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 . While dementia develops over months or years, those with delirium typically develop symptoms rapidly. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. I'm a senior care specialist trained to match you with the care option that is best for you. Certain conditions that cause dementia-like symptoms can be treated. Get personalized guidance from a dedicated local advisor. The dementia symptoms tied to other systemic diseases, nutritional, endocrine, or psychiatric disorders, and substance abuse, for example, are often reversible in someone under 65. This is something best discussed with your healthcare practitioner. Cognitive Vitality. Mills, B. What is a reversible condition which could be mistaken for dementia? One of the most important things to note is that many health conditions can create similar symptoms to dementia. Will All Dementia-Like Symptoms Go Away When The Condition Is Treated? 60(3), 225-231. Samuels, M. H. (2015, October 1). difficulty speaking and communicating Worth noting is that depression can be one of the signs of dementia. The most common forms of dementiaAlzheimers disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementiaare irreversible and caused by changes in the brain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. B vitamins are water soluble and are easily washed out of the system and can also be taken at higher levels without toxicity. Medical conditions, disorders, and medication side effects can often cause impairments in memory that can sometimes be misdiagnosed as dementia. The fluid buildup can cause dementia-like symptoms such as progressive mental impairment, loss of bladder control, and poor coordination. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. They can manifest as memory loss, general sluggishness, a flitting attention span, and depressed or apathetic mood.[6]. Other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms include thyroid disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, Lyme disease, heart and lung disease, and respiratory infections. 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. The candida in the gut actually lives off of sugar and starches, fermenting it to produce energy. As POA for my dad, I have a huge decision: Surgery or pain management? Figueroa PBS, Ferreira AFF, Britto LR, Doussoulin AP, Torro ADS. even if the test for celiac disease is negative. The most common causes of irreversible dementia include: 31(2), 71-78. Reversible causes of memory loss It's important to remember that memory loss doesn't automatically mean that you have dementia. 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! Additionally, delirium causes brain fog and fluctuations between drowsiness and alertness, whereas dementia doesnt affect consciousness. 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. Thyroid dysfunction is often associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimers disease. While this patient did not have CJD, they did have celiac disease with dementia as a result. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. It happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Aging loved ones are at risk of developing many health conditions due to natural changes related to aging, such as decline in immune function. Home care offers support and respite for families caring for a loved one with dementia at home. It can also cause speech problems, changes in mood and behavior, headache, nausea, and vision problems. The classic symptoms of gluten sensitivity show up as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, cramping and nutrient deficiencies. (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). However, in more severe cases, the symptoms may last months or longer. Because most people who get a UTI complain of painful burning urination, possible fever, or lower back pain, this condition often can go un-diagnosed in older people. What can delirium be mistaken for? MedLink Neurology. In particular, those two words are bound to be frightening to just about anyone. Is it? The standard test for celiac disease, looks for a reaction to ONE specific gliadin, alpha gliadin and tissue transglutaminase, tTG-2. In a 2017 study, in 3 months, 60 elderly patients were hospitalized for delirium with infection as the cause. There are several physical illnesses, like infections and vitamin deficiencies, that can mimic the symptoms of dementia. What conditions can be mistaken for dementia? Copyright 2023 A Place for Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Among the different infections, 55% had pneumonia and 27% had urinary tract infections. This impaired thinking may also affect verbal skills. It can be caused by the weakening of veins, which may disrupt the flow of CSF, and the swelling of white matter, which affects blood flow to certain brain areas. A doctor can also help you understand the specific dementia type and help you identify potential next steps: If you need help finding a suitable senior living service for your loved one, talk to aSenior Living Advisorat A Place for Mom, free of charge. These include: Memory loss. National Institute of Health. 51(1), 52-55. 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. (2020, July 9). However, this will continue to be a problem unless the underlying liver damage is corrected.[9]. Hi! Mold gives off toxins which can accumulate in the body and create a variety of health problems. However, unlike dementia, delirium is often reversible. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, weakness, clumsiness, headache, blurred vision, memory problems, confusion, disorientation, mood swings, slurring of words and dizziness. Some of these symptoms include balance problems, fatigue, and impaired thinking and reasoning. And i found out i have Hashimoto disease. Most Common Reversible Dementia Causes. Gluten can also cause an immune reaction in the gut, breaking down its all-important immune system. 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. Eye surgery requires my loved one with dementia to lie still on her back for several hours post op. 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. One of the more cost effective and reliable means of testing your home is with mold growth plates which can be purchased online. While we have mentioned the most common conditions that can mimic dementia, there are still others out there. In other similar cases, the celiac symptoms and mental decline occurred simultaneously. Who hasnt lost a train of thought every once in a while? What Is The Difference Between Dementia And Alzheimers? 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. The same thing goes with environmental allergies. In fact, most research on B vitamins shows that they actually should be taken at levels well above the current dietary recommendations. -25% of patients with this disease has dementia-difficult to distinguish from AD-usually a history of tremors prior to onset of dementia. Brain and Nerve. However, the reality is that the lines blur when we discuss persistent delirium or reversible dementia and one may be mistaken for the other. Earlier, we mentioned that doctors might take a patients thyroid hormone levels when evaluating dementia. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, judgement and even movement. 4, 225-233. 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. Just because your TSH test comes back normal, dont assume your thyroid is fine without additional tests! Decline in memory, problem-solving, thinking, and judgment are commonly seen in dementia. Gogia B, Fang X. Differentiating Delirium Versus Dementia in the Elderly. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; AgingCare does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites. For these treatable conditions, treatment plans may include medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, and surgical procedures (as in the case of NPH), among others. UTIs result when bacteria, often e.coli bacteria, enters the urethra and travels to the bladder. Treating bruising, bleeding, or clotting on the brain within weeks of the injury may restore mental function. Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. Other symptoms of dementia of various types include: short-term memory loss unlike true dementia, these symptoms may be reversible with treatment for depression," according to VeryWell Health. Is anyone else dealing with this? Dementia is the loss of cognitive function and affects daily life and activities by interfering with ones ability to think, remember, and reason. [Updated 2021 Nov 20]. Early symptoms of a slow-growing brain tumor can often mimic those of dementia. Delirium refers to a neurocognitive condition where a person becomes confused and cannot fully make sense of their environment. Association between thyroid function and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. National Library of Medicine. They can become systemic and wreak havoc on a persons mental clarity, potentially causing agitation, sudden confusion, or withdrawal. Symptoms usually disappear after treatment of the original medical condition, coining the termreversible dementia. 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. The speed of deterioration differs between individuals. There are many forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. That's because anticholinergic drugsblock brain chemicals used for learning, memory, and muscle functions. People with dementia demonstrate impairments in their cognitive function. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Problems with thinking clearly, loss of memory, brain fog Coping with a Diagnosis. There are many other reasons why you may be experiencing cognitive problems, including stress, depression, and even vitamin deficiencies. They may leave their glasses or dentures in strange places like the fridge. Once the candida overgrowth is eliminated, brain fog usually clears, memory improves, and people should feel as sharp as ever. Anti-cholinergic drugs include some antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. However, for some people the decline can be sudden and rapid. BrightFocus Foundation. 7 Reversible Health Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia. link to Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Options, link to Senior Living Tips For Moving To A New Community. As a consequence, when hypothyroidism has been going on for some time, dementia is a normal consequence. List the three stages of . In a 2017 study, in 3 months, 60 elderly patients were hospitalized for delirium with infection as the cause. A standardized blood test can check for this immune response and is diagnosed in a small percentage of people. There are also cases of dementia that originate from such infections. Depression. Often, these include memory loss, where they forget something that was said recently. Reversible dementias. What condition could be mistaken for dementia? They will happily offer advice and provide options based on your loved ones individual needs and preferences. Recently, several population-based studies demonstrated an association between hypo- or hyperthyroidism and Alzheimer's disease. Participants taking the anti-cholinergic drugs also tested worst on memory tests. Do infections accelerate cognitive decline? Clinical Interventions in Aging. The good news is that these cognitive symptoms are largely reversible with the proper thyroid hormone treatment. To alleviate and even reverse symptoms, make sure your loved one receives professional vision and hearing tests. One of them is black mold. [2], Technically, dementia is characterized by something that is chronic or takes a long time to develop. Alcohol In a research experiment, C.albicans was injected into mice. difficulty recognizing loved ones and familiar faces Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these diseases can help prevent dementia-like symptoms from worsening and, in some cases, reverse the symptoms altogether. 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. 27(1), 26-29. [5], Infections are a bit tricky in the elderly. difficulty following a conversation Ellison, J. M. (2021, July 6). Doubly challenging is that older individuals are more likely to catch these infections. Alzheimers itself does not have a specific test to determine its presence; doctors merely rely on a cluster of symptoms to recognize it. Delirium is a reversible condition if the underlying cause is properly diagnosed and treated. Types of Reversible Dementia. One theory is that the immune response to celiac disease attacks the brain. She did a saliva test along with a more extensive blood test for Free & Thyroid antibodies. I'm matching you with one of our specialists who will be calling you in the next few minutes. If you think your loved one is experiencing dementia symptoms due to one of the conditions above, talk to their doctor. 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. Anticholinergics. Dr. Amanda Cheong spent her formative medical years within the walls of the Philippine General Hospital, a high-volume tertiary institution built to serve the underserved. 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. While current data cannot say which causes what, what we have points to a relationship between the two. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a health condition encountered in patients who lack a certain substance called thiamine. AND IS VERY INTERESTING, AND I M SO HAPPY I READ IT, AND CAN USE THE INFORMATION. The symptoms include psychosis, disorientation, memory loss, and confusion. Tripathi, M. & Vibha, D. (2009, January). What Are Some Of The Signs And Symptoms Of These Conditions? As people age, the ability to absorb B12 declines. 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. Caregivers can attest that the decline in their thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communication skills is so significant that it interferes with their daily affairs. People with delirium have an altered awareness that mainly affects their attention. These include slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity), and resting tremor. Other symptoms of a vitamin deficiency include diarrhea, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and impaired vision. This is. Lab work is vital for anyone showing these symptoms, especially an aging person. "It's amazing what a liter of IV fluid can do," Hashmi adds. This means that adopting abrain-healthy dietand lifestyle becomes critical to offset any future dementia risks due to brain injury. 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. What if it just looked like dementia? Its important to note that an actual dementia diagnosis cannot be reversed, even when it coincides with a reversible condition with dementia-like symptoms. In a study where 9% of dementia patients had potentially reversible causes, only less than 1% of cases were actually reversed.[01]. Benztropine, Tolterodine, Dicyclomine. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Skip to the front of the line by calling (888) 848-5724. Sometimes, they may have problems doing things they used to do, such as getting dressed for a party or preparing their food. [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. 7 . Issac, T. G., Soundarya, S., Christopher, R., & Chandra, S. R. (2015, March). Two common examples are dementia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Memory functioning is usually less affected in delirium but the ability to focus and maintain attention to something or . The decreasing prevalence of reversible dementias. mood changes This causes a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain. Whatare the cognitive symptoms of depression? Mom wants her room to be over 80 degrees most of the time. Problems that can cause delirium include: pain. It is likely that some cases of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, histamine intolerance, irritable bowel, leaky gut, multiple sclerosis and even Lyme syndrome, can be caused or exacerbated from a chronic inflammatory response caused by toxic mold. 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. Available from. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better. Candida albicans is a common species of a type of fungus that grows naturally in the human gut, mouth, and vagina. In some cases, a CT scan might even be done. I finally got into a Nurse Practitioner who worked for a D.O at a holistic type of clinic. 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. Mice with the infection showed reduced memory and confusion. Anti-Anxiety Medications 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. 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. However, its important to remember that just because a senior has dementia-like symptoms, it doesnt mean they actually have dementia. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all cause symptoms that can be mistaken for early signs of dementia. However, for some people the decline can . most common potentially reversible dementia-like condition, Difficulty speaking and understanding thoughts, Inability to perform activities of daily living, Serologic tests for syphilis (or similar). Family history, poor heart health, and having a head injury can also increase ones likelihood. 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. Anti-anxiety and Sleeping-Pill Medications (Benzodiazepines) Lorazepam, Diazepam, Temazepam, Clonazepam. Antibiotics are given to clear up the infection and should be given as soon as possible. apathy poor nutrition. Low B12 can mimic symptoms of Alzheimers or dementia, with confusion and brain fog. [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. Pharmaceutical medications include Nystatin which is more gentle to the system, or fluconazole (Diflucan). delirium & depression can be mistaken for false dementia (pseudodementia) delirium is usually temporary or reversible, it occurs w/ physical & mental illness. Depression is a mental illness that causes people to experience continuous low moods and a loss of interest in daily life. Its often caused by a sudden illness or infection. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. It hits you like a speeding truck hanging on worn brakes. reversible as the cognitive impairment can be remedied by supporting the clearance of ammonia. Signs of extreme dehydration can impact the following: Treatment: Dementia symptoms usually go away when the body is replenished with fluids. If someone is clinically depressed, they will exhibit low mood, loss of interest and concentration, and disturbed sleep. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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). The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. Shortness of breath Elderly people in poor health and those taking several different medications are especially vulnerable. [6] However, it is also important to note that thyroid dysfunctions are associated with a very specific kind of dementia-- Alzheimers dementia. What is the most common reversible cause of dementia symptoms quizlet? Other symptoms associated with B vitamin deficiency include: Pins and needs feeling in hands and feet While only about 25% of us are vulnerable to mold reactions, a whole family can be living in the same house, but only one family member will react to mold. 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 . Alternatively, if you believe your loved one does have dementia, it is important totrack their dementia symptomsand report these to their doctor so their doctor can properly diagnose them. By taking care of your health, and avoiding processed foods, sugar and starchy carbohydrates and excessive alcohol, you can lessen your chances of getting dementia. Conditions other than PD may have one or more of these symptoms, mimicking Parkinson's. Listed below are the more . Sources: Whats causing your memory loss? dementia is NOT a normal part of aging. 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). Patients with this condition can have memory issues, speech and language problems, personality changes, and confusion. Kazui, H. (2008, March). 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 . Researchers have found that more than 18% of dementias are reversible in the younger group but only 5% in the older population. Additionally, there are cases when a patient has both depression and dementia, but the former tends to appear first before the latter develops. 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. Dementia can have a major impact physically, psychologically, socially, and economically, not only on those with dementia, but also on families, loved ones and caregivers. NPH normally occurs spontaneously, but it can also result from head trauma, brain hemorrhage, or meningitis. Alzheimers Association. Ellison, J. M. (2021, July 15). Archives of Internal Medicine. A thorough clinical evaluation is necessary to determine whether someone has dementia or not. TBI symptoms typically appear at the time of injury, or soon after, but in some cases, they may not develop for days or weeks. If youve ever forgotten where you parked your car, lost your keys in your own house, or walked into a room and forgot why you went there, you are not alone. I feel this is unhealthy. When cases are mild, they can be managed with an ER visit or a short hospital stay. In: StatPearls [Internet]. This may lead to frustration, aggression, and behavioral changes. These changes are often permanent and change the course of a person's life. 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. Illnesses including diabetes, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease . 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! Depression, dementia and mental impairment are tied to B12 and also to folate deficiencies, especially in the elderly. They can also cause irritability, and even depression and anxiety.