loss of sense of direction Is it something Im taking? Medications that can mimic dementia. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. When he asks about his mother and I tell him she has died he starts crying. 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. People with dementia demonstrate impairments in their cognitive function. By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN,co-author of the best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen,The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging&The Diabetes Fix. 21(5), 377-383. Luckily, a balanced diet and vitamin supplements can help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. 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. Most cases of dementia are not reversible, but there are treatment options that may slow progression. Fast heart rate A physician who suspects other causes for dementia-like symptoms might order tests such as: The doctor may find other causes for symptoms. While this is often found in alcoholics, this disease is due to a vitamin deficiency compared to the toxic effects of alcohol itself and, thus, reversible. The connection between celiac disease and mental deterioration is not fully known but it could be a combination of several factors. Drug-induced dementia. In order to ensure a proper diagnosis, your loved ones doctor will likely conduct diagnostic tests and perform a physical examination. Anti-Anxiety Medications Depending on their location, brain tumors can affect cognitive function and cause confusion, memory loss, and changes in personality. Your loved one may be diagnosed with new conditions, be prone to more infections, and begin to depend on multiple medications. List the three stages of . Mild cognitive impairment Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. Archives of Internal Medicine. Most diets are lacking in B vitamins in sufficient quantities to supply what is needed. The link was the strongest in women who inherited the APOE4 gene and area more susceptible to Alzheimers disease. Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. Major depressive disorder the chronic feeling of intense sadness is the most common potentially reversible dementia-like condition. Try essential oils instead to relieve symptoms naturallywithout the unhealthy side effects. One of them is black mold. Reversible Conditions Mistaken For Dementia. Low B12 is actually associated with brain shrinkage, along with diminished brain function. Depression can make a person LACK motivation and have problems with paying attention or feeling lethargic about . 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. In addition, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency may cause homocysteine levels to rise. There are many forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. 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). Illnesses including diabetes, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease . 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. [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. Mice with the infection showed reduced memory and confusion. They will happily offer advice and provide options based on your loved ones individual needs and preferences. With this procedure, dementia can be controlled or reversed. Other natural treatments include taking probiotics such as Saccromyces Boulardi, and anti-fungals such as oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract or nystatin. However, in more severe cases, the symptoms may last months or longer. Other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms include thyroid disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, Lyme disease, heart and lung disease, and respiratory infections. 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. Other symptoms of a vitamin deficiency include diarrhea, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and impaired vision. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. Vitamin B12 deficiency also may result in transcobalamin deficiency (a disorder that impairs the transport of vitamin B12) and malabsorption and metabolic disorders, which can cause neuronal degeneration. After all, dementia has no cure. [5], Infections are a bit tricky in the elderly. Brand Name. Delirium refers to a neurocognitive condition where a person becomes confused and cannot fully make sense of their environment. After graduating with a degree in medicine, she went on to write, edit, and compile healthcare stories from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic for an online anthology. Medicina. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. 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. 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. Laboratory tests can also identify some mold toxins that show up in the urine as well. 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. (Serving water to her father in a shot glass seemed to work, Goyer says.) This may lead to frustration, aggression, and behavioral changes. These signs are similar to Alzheimers and other types of dementia. Toxic mold based illness is actually a very common, but un-diagnosed condition that can show up in many different ways, including serious brain fog, confusion, memory loss and even depression/anxiety. Eye surgery requires my loved one with dementia to lie still on her back for several hours post op. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all cause symptoms that can be mistaken for early signs of dementia. 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. The standard test for celiac disease, looks for a reaction to ONE specific gliadin, alpha gliadin and tissue transglutaminase, tTG-2. For every ONE case of celiac disease diagnosed, 6.4 cases of gluten intolerance remain undiagnosedmany with NO obvious GI symptoms at all. Dementia can manifest in many different ways. Some medications have even been linked to cognitive decline. Inflammation is one of the triggers that helps push people towards Alzheimers disease and dementia. Copyright 2023 A Place for Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? He has been studying nutrition and exercise for almost 25 years, ever since being a young teenager. Both are important for a healthy nervous system. Family history, poor heart health, and having a head injury can also increase ones likelihood. What is a reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia? If left untreated, the bacteria can also move to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which becomes even more serious. Certain types of TBIs, or repeated mild TBIs, may even increase the risk of developing dementia years after the injury takes place.[10]. Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. 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! Food allergies These people may also have anemia, extreme fatigue, intolerance to cold, dry skin, a hoarse voice, weight gain, slow heart rate, and constipationall things are often viewed as normal for an aging person. AgingCare.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; or legal, or financial or any other professional services advice. As stated, some antidepressants can also cause signs similar to dementia. Your blog is one of the best Ive read, do well researched and informative. However, unlike dementia, delirium is often reversible. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better. Treatment and controlling for depression through lifestyle or other changes can help improve symptoms. Toxic mold actually gives off volatile toxic vapors that float around in the air causing a chronic inflammatory response. Proper diet and treatment of a B12 deficiency may reverse dementia-like symptoms and help prevent them from developing in the future. Gluten can also cause an immune reaction in the gut, breaking down its all-important immune system. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a health condition encountered in patients who lack a certain substance called thiamine. Some psychiatric disorders, such as depression, can also cause dementia-like symptoms in seniors. We all have days like that. In other similar cases, the celiac symptoms and mental decline occurred simultaneously. I finally got into a Nurse Practitioner who worked for a D.O at a holistic type of clinic. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these diseases can help prevent dementia-like symptoms from worsening and, in some cases, reverse the symptoms altogether. Learn . BrightFocus Foundation. 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. Will All Dementia-Like Symptoms Go Away When The Condition Is Treated? If youre caring for a loved one with dementia at home, consider exploring AgingCares online support group for caregivers for helpful tips and advice. Behavior can include confusion, agitation, withdrawal, fantasy stories, manic episodes, yelling, crying and agitation. Mills, B. 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. What Is The Difference Between Dementia And Alzheimers? Dementia is a syndrome usually of a chronic or progressive nature in which there is deterioration the ability to process thought, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It is important to have a full thyroid panel done to show T3, T4 and free and total levels as well. Your email address will not be published. Issac, T. G., Soundarya, S., Christopher, R., & Chandra, S. R. (2015, March). This is. (2022, May 4). The cause of dementia may be disease or injury that changes the brain. Sources: Whats causing your memory loss? 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. While this is often found in alcoholics, this disease is due to a vitamin deficiency compared to the toxic effects of alcohol itself and, thus, reversible. They can also sometimes trigger other symptoms like headaches, seizures, or vomiting. People with delirium have an altered awareness that mainly affects their attention. Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a family of disorders that all have the same underlying pathologiesthat is, they all have this same family of abnormal proteins that you can see . Dont be surprised when they request tests for sexually transmitted diseases-- as there is a number that can lay quiet for several years before spouting up neurologic symptoms. Decreased appetite. The classic symptoms of gluten sensitivity show up as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, cramping and nutrient deficiencies. If left untreated, this deficiency can cause severe neurological problems and blood diseases, according to Harvard Health. Stomach acids required to break down and absorb vitamins decline with age. Generic Name. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. [6] However, it is also important to note that thyroid dysfunctions are associated with a very specific kind of dementia-- Alzheimers dementia. Should I lie to him? Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. The International Journal of Neuroscience. Per the Alzheimers Association, most Alzheimers patients are at least 65 years old. 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. Some types of dementia are reversible Normal pressure hydrocephalus, caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid, can be helped by surgical intervention. How to find clinical trials for Alzheimer's? (2020, May 18). But what if it wasnt dementia? 6. This means that adopting abrain-healthy dietand lifestyle becomes critical to offset any future dementia risks due to brain injury. Medications are also common culprits in mental decline and dementia. However, a combined approach using medicine, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help treat symptoms, resulting in the reversal of depression-induced dementia. Sometimes its hard for them to communicate that theres something wrong. Anti-cholinergic drugs include some antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. 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. Can depression be mistaken for dementia? Doubly challenging is that older individuals are more likely to catch these infections. B vitamins should be taken in higher doses than the recommended daily amount (since they are water soluble and any excess is excreted), and should be in a form that is easily broken down and utilized in the body such as methylcobalamin for B12, and methylfolate for folate. What condition could be mistaken for dementia? Conditions that can mimic dementia: Symptoms and treatment, How to help a loved one experiencing dementia symptoms, Tolterodineused to treat urinary incontinence, Antipsychoticsused to manage psychosis, especially schizophrenia, Cardiovascular medicationsused to manage heart and blood vessel function, Antispasmodicsused to relieve cramps, muscle spasms, and irritable bowel syndrome, Benzodiazepinesused to treat anxiety or insomnia, Corticosteroidsused to treat inflammation, Inability to concentrate or pay attention, VA Aid and Attendance Benefits for Senior Living, Delirium is commonly mistaken for dementia, The decreasing prevalence of reversible dementias, Is it something Im taking? Medications that can mimic dementia, The cognitive impact of anticholinergics: A clinical review. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distresscan all produce symptoms that can be mistaken as early signs of dementia, such as communication and memory difficulties and behavioural changes. Corticosteroids Depression, dementia and mental impairment are tied to B12 and also to folate deficiencies, especially in the elderly. What conditions can be mistaken for dementia? Normal pressure hydrocephalus. What can delirium be mistaken for? Alcohol Just because your TSH test comes back normal, dont assume your thyroid is fine without additional tests! 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. According to the Harvard Special Health Report Living Better, Living Longer: Taking steps now to ensure a happier, healthier future, a small percentage of dementia cases may be reversible dementia if treatment begins before permanent brain damage occurs. While current data cannot say which causes what, what we have points to a relationship between the two. Currently, she is involved in medical research as well as volunteer telemedicine consults. Poor . I'm a senior care specialist trained to match you with the care option that is best for you. Clarfield, A. M. (2003, October 13). 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 [Updated 2021 Nov 20]. Delirium is common, particularly among older people in hospital. reversible as the cognitive impairment can be remedied by supporting the clearance of ammonia. Atterton, B., Paulino, M. C., Povoa, P., & Martin-Loeches, I. What is a reversible condition which could be mistaken for dementia? It's estimated that about 50% of people age 85 and older have dementia. A 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology shows brain imaging that detects how anti-cholinergic drugs impact the brain. When the bodys immune function is low, candida (see below) and other opportunistic organisms will grow out of hand. A reversible condition which COULD BE mistaken for dementia is A. Depression B. 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. However, its important to note that dementia is not a necessary part of aging. Anticholinergics. 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. 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. 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. Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also characterized by confusion and altered mental status, may look like dementia. Indeed, several things can look like dementia. Delirium. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. Surgeons have set up a one-stop clinic to treat patients with a condition often mistaken for Alzheimer's disease. Irritability THANK YOU SO MUCH. Your email address will not be published. This causes a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain. Privacy&Terms. Aging loved ones are at risk of developing many health conditions due to natural changes related to aging, such as decline in immune function. [02] During a major depressive episode, the condition can cause rapidly progressive dementia. Is it? Thiamine is also a B vitamin and is found in whole-grain foods, some breakfast cereals, beans and peas, nuts and seeds. If you think your loved one is experiencing dementia symptoms due to one of the conditions above, talk to their doctor. 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). There are literally thousands of different molds floating around in the air, the soil, in your home, and even in your foods. 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. . Memory functioning is usually less affected in delirium but the ability to focus and maintain attention to something or . 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 . 7 . Delirium is a change in mental state that develops quickly and can become very serious. Wernicke's encephalopathy. Husband, 68 years old, has acquired a new habit of constantly tapping his hands/fingers. Its important to plan for care if your loved one is diagnosed with dementia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Is dementia completely reversible? One theory is that the immune response to celiac disease attacks the brain. She focuses on life enrichment opportunities and memory care. Dementia is often tricky to spot. When the underlying cause of delirium is addressed, the cognitive symptomstypicallyfade over time. My mom had embolectomy with general anesthesia. 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. Doubly challenging is that older individuals are more likely to catch these infections. Depression and dementia are both common in later years, and each can lead to the other, according to Harvard Health Publishing. 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. Cardiovascular Drugs Alzheimers Association. poor nutrition. (2021). We sometimes jump to the conclusion that we are getting dementia or have Alzheimers disease. Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. Keep an eye out for these drugs that can cause dementia-like symptoms: Antidepressants In a 2017 study, in 3 months, 60 elderly patients were hospitalized for delirium with infection as the cause. link to Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Options, link to Senior Living Tips For Moving To A New Community. The good news is that once a mold toxicity diagnosis is made, this can be a very treatable and reversible condition. Lab work is vital for anyone showing these symptoms, especially an aging person. They can become systemic and wreak havoc on a persons mental clarity, potentially causing agitation, sudden confusion, or withdrawal. If someone is clinically depressed, they will exhibit low mood, loss of interest and concentration, and disturbed sleep. Infection C. Medication Interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above. The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. ). No wonder i had health issues! Dementia, on the other hand, isnt a specific disease. Mold gives off toxins which can accumulate in the body and create a variety of health problems. Symptoms usually disappear after treatment of the original medical condition, coining the termreversible dementia. Many people with a low thyroid will have trouble converting T3 to T4, especially if they have poor gut health. It is the brain lesions that could have caused Dementia. 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. One of the more cost effective and reliable means of testing your home is with mold growth plates which can be purchased online.
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