[15], Vitamin B12 deficiencyis common in seniors, and it has been linked to increasing levels of cognitive decline and vascular risk factors.[16]. However, its important to remember that just because a senior has dementia-like symptoms, it doesnt mean they actually have dementia. 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). Brand Name. Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. Delirium may cause dementia-like symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. Gluten reactions and celiac disease are reactions to gluten in wheat, rye, and barley. Can people with dementia have what they call "show-timer's?". Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia and is more prevalent among older people. 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. The majority (73.3%) were diagnosed with the kind of infection that was already considered sepsis. Additionally, there are cases when a patient has both depression and dementia, but the former tends to appear first before the latter develops. Hypothyroidism often occurs in middle age or elderly people with more females than males affected (about 1 male to every 5 females). Senior Living Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Options. Sometimes its hard for them to communicate that theres something wrong. What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? 1. Clinicians sometimes misdiagnose it because other conditions mimic dementia. AND IS VERY INTERESTING, AND I M SO HAPPY I READ IT, AND CAN USE THE INFORMATION. Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. Many people worry about becoming forgetful. That's because anticholinergic drugsblock brain chemicals used for learning, memory, and muscle functions. Infection C. Medication Interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above. 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. unlike true dementia, these symptoms may be reversible with treatment for depression," according to VeryWell Health. Proper diagnosis and early treatment of delirium can help offset and reverse uncomfortable symptoms. Prevalence of treatable and reversible dementias: A study in a dementia outpatient clinic. 6. But what if it wasnt dementia? If someone doesn't get enough of either of these vitamins, they can have symptoms that could be mistaken for dementia. Sepsis associated delirium. Many people ask if there is reversible dementia. Some medications have even been linked to cognitive decline. Additionally, delirium causes brain fog and fluctuations between drowsiness and alertness, whereas dementia doesnt affect consciousness. Any advice? However, for some people the decline can . Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. Can depression be mistaken for dementia? I'm a senior care specialist trained to match you with the care option that is best for you. Often, these include memory loss, where they forget something that was said recently. The good news is that once a mold toxicity diagnosis is made, this can be a very treatable and reversible condition. 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 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. Lastly, the doctor might request for laboratory tests to be done. Seasonal pollen allergies can cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and a foggy-feeling head, which leads to an inability to concentrate, focus and stay alert. 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. Types of Reversible Dementia. Memory functioning is usually less affected in delirium but the ability to focus and maintain attention to something or . Takada LT, Caramelli P, Radanovic M, et al. Randell Suba is a former Physiotherapist who returned to his first love, writing. 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. Irreversible dementia causes changes in behavior and personality. This Common Condition Can Easily Be Mistaken for Dementia, Experts Say. The areas affected and the underlying cause can differ from that of Alzheimers. Brain imaging scans can also help diagnosis. For these treatable conditions, treatment plans may include medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, and surgical procedures (as in the case of NPH), among others. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Older adults who have hypothyroidism will have deficits in memory, intelligence, visual perception and even motor skills such as walking. And this may not be the feared persistent and progressive deterioration, and we may still get our loved ones back cognitively. Low B12 is actually associated with brain shrinkage, along with diminished brain function. Other times they might not notice it. Whereas delirium is considered an acute confusional state that comes and goes, often starting just a few days or weeks ago. The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. In other similar cases, the celiac symptoms and mental decline occurred simultaneously. 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. apathy Get an easy-to-understand breakdown of services and fees. Decline in memory, problem-solving, thinking, and judgment are commonly seen in dementia. Tripathi, M. & Vibha, D. (2009, January). . Miller, K. J., Parsons, T. D., Whybrow, P. C., van Herle, K., Rasgon, N., van Herle, A., Martinez, D., Silverman, D. H., & Bauer, M. (2006, August). Sometimes, they may have problems doing things they used to do, such as getting dressed for a party or preparing their food. Delirium. Hydrocephalus literally means water on the brain. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition caused by buildup of fluid typically found in the spinal cord and brain (cerebrospinal fluid) in the brains ventricles. Dementia leads to the death of brain cells (neurons) and loss of brain tissue throughout the brain. Conditions other than PD may have one or more of these symptoms, mimicking Parkinson's. Listed below are the more . 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. Certain conditions that cause dementia-like symptoms can be treated. Stomach acids required to break down and absorb vitamins decline with age. While current data cannot say which causes what, what we have points to a relationship between the two. People with dementia are at a higher risk of having delirium. When allergy season strikes, there are healthy alternatives to allergy medications. People who possess the MTHFR gene variant, A new study by The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging at Trinity College in Dublin, Try essential oils instead to relieve symptoms naturally, https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Dementia/Other-forms-of-dementia/Metabolic-diseases/Thyroid-disorders, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia, https://www.amymyersmd.com/2018/01/whats-behind-brain-fog-banish/, https://www.beingpatient.com/b12-brain-health-dementia/, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/popular-drugs-for-colds-allergies-linked-to-dementia/, https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm, https://www.consultant360.com/exclusives/revisiting-dementia-s-relationship-hypothyroidism, https://www.pathwayshealth.org/home-health-topics/link-uti-dementia-older-adults/, https://bebrainfit.com/seasonal-allergies-brain-fog/, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324106.php, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/holistic-psychiatry/201708/mold-toxicity-common-cause-psychiatric-symptoms?sfns=mo, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-symptoms-treatment#section8, https://www.health.com/alzheimers/memory-loss-dementia-surprising-risk-factors, https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/news/20061013/celiac-disease-linked-dementia#1, http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20181022-there-is-mounting-evidence-that-herpes-leads-to-alzheimers, Top Ten Longevity Practices You Can Follow to Live Beyond 100, Festive Kale, Squash, and Pomegranate Salad with Citrus Dressing, Five Convincing Reasons to Stop Drinking Forever, Five Things that can Destroy Your Thyroid, Baking Soda May Reduce Premature Death Risk, 3 Ingredient Daily Drink Tonics for Your Best Health, Drinking These Fruit Juices is Just as Bad, or Even Worse than Drinking Soda, 7 Foods That Make Your Pee Smell (Is This Good Or Bad? Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Dementia is often tricky to spot. 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. 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. Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. loss of sense of direction 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. dementia is NOT a normal part of aging. 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. Brain and Nerve. These signs are similar to Alzheimers and other types of dementia. Your loved one may be diagnosed with new conditions, be prone to more infections, and begin to depend on multiple medications. Caregivers, family members and loved ones can be alert to this condition and be sure anyone with sudden unusual behavior gets checked for a UTI. Mike Geary has been a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer for over 15 years now. 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. Symptoms associated with dementia may include memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Thiamine is also a B vitamin and is found in whole-grain foods, some breakfast cereals, beans and peas, nuts and seeds. Fast heart rate However, the presence of dementia-like symptoms doesnt necessarily equal a dementia diagnosis. Adan, A., (2013, June 6). Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also characterized by confusion and altered mental status, may look like dementia. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity. Some types of dementia are reversible Normal pressure hydrocephalus, caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid, can be helped by surgical intervention. Wernicke's encephalopathy. Sedatives. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Dementia is the loss of cognitive function and affects daily life and activities by interfering with ones ability to think, remember, and reason. 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. 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. This list shows medications that have been shown to cause or are suspected of causing symptoms of dementia. Noticing new dementia-like symptoms in a loved one is scary. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. No wonder i had health issues! Normal pressure hydrocephalus Is there anything I can do to make her feel better? It's often caused by a sudden illness or infection. However, when the yeast infection was eliminated, memory and confusion went away. 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]. difficulty completing tasks Severe depression when untreated can cause " pseudodementia ". [6] However, it is also important to note that thyroid dysfunctions are associated with a very specific kind of dementia-- Alzheimers dementia. Mayo clinic gastroenterologist and celiac disease expert Joseph Murray, MD, says he was surprised that the link was so strong. My husband has Alzheimer's. 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. mood changes 3. With depression, however, it is possible to reverse the condition through regular exercise, medication, stress-reduction techniques like prayer, yoga, and medication, as well as cognitive therapy. 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. [Updated 2021 Nov 20]. I finally got into a Nurse Practitioner who worked for a D.O at a holistic type of clinic. Often, these include memory loss, where they forget something that was said recently. Should I lie to him? To alleviate and even reverse symptoms, make sure your loved one receives professional vision and hearing tests. Since dementia is so commonespecially in the elderly, theres probably a good chance your life has been touched by someone with dementia. BrightFocus Foundation. Certain types of dementia, including Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, Parkinsons disease related dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia arent reversible. HealthCreeds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, judgement and even movement. (2021, November 8). 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. 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. Especially in the elderly, delirium may be triggered by several problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, weakness, clumsiness, headache, blurred vision, memory problems, confusion, disorientation, mood swings, slurring of words and dizziness. 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. Fatigue Other conditions that can be mistaken for dementia include: delirium, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INHP), hearing or degenerative disorders, and Parkinson's disease. Copyright 2023 A Place for Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Its typically seen in older adults [13]and has been linked to impairments in memory. People with thyroid problems can also experience brain fog and decreased concentration. Your email address will not be published. Dementia is caused by progressive damage to brain cells. Hi! immune system may not be as strong as it used to be, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557444/. Early symptoms of a slow-growing brain tumor can often mimic those of 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. Infections that are left untreated can spread to the kidneys and beyond, and can be life-threatening. 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. Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Signs and symptoms of delirium can include the following [18]: Treatment: If a loved one is experiencing delirium, a visit to the doctor is warranted. Your email address will not be published. Anti-cholinergic drugs include some antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) manifest differently in seniors than in younger adults. A doctor can then identify the cause by evaluating or ordering the following: Once the cause is identified, doctors may alter your loved ones medications, suggest therapy, or recommend routine changes to help clear up their dementia symptoms. 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. 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 . 163(18), 2219-2229. 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. [3] The causes may differ depending on the country, with a study done in Brazil showing that infection was the predominant cause. These include slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity), and resting tremor. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. These drugs and their side effects can cause dementia-like symptoms in people without previous cognitive issues. In many cases if doctors can find what caused the delirium and treat the cause, then the dysfunction may be reversed. They may get lost in places that used to be very familiar to them. The connection between celiac disease and mental deterioration is not fully known but it could be a combination of several factors. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. Both are important for a healthy nervous system. Other times they might not notice it. "It's amazing what a liter of IV fluid can do," Hashmi adds. Participants taking the anti-cholinergic drugs also tested worst on memory tests. Two common examples are dementia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid . She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. 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. BrightFocus Foundation. Learn how your comment data is processed. Depression, dementia and mental impairment are tied to B12 and also to folate deficiencies, especially in the elderly. Is it something Im taking? Medications that can mimic dementia. There are many other reasons why you may be experiencing cognitive problems, including stress, depression, and even vitamin deficiencies. Who hasnt lost a train of thought every once in a while? 56(5), 240. Mild TBI symptoms are usually temporary and disappear within a few hours, days, or weeks. -25% of patients with this disease has dementia-difficult to distinguish from AD-usually a history of tremors prior to onset of dementia. Anti-Anxiety Medications 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. What Is The Difference Between Dementia And Alzheimers? A reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia is hypothyroidism a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into one's bloodstream. The candida in the gut actually lives off of sugar and starches, fermenting it to produce energy. 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]. Unable to complete simple tasks they could do before Dementia Praecox was the type of dementia that involved brain lesions post mortem. The condition has been linked to subtle decline in memory and executive function. In some cases, a CT scan might even be done. Medline Plus. 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. Generic Name. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. A vitamin deficiency can cause issues such as behavioral changes, depression, and poor recollection. In these cases of dementia, it is possible to improve memory outcomes by treating . 7 Reversible Health Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia. This is because low thyroid hormone levels or hypothyroidism can cause cognitive impairments similar to dementia. difficulty following a conversation Antibiotics are given to clear up the infection and should be given as soon as possible. Lab work is vital for anyone showing these symptoms, especially an aging person. This fungal infection can also lead to the formation of abnormal structures in the brain, very similar to that of Alzheimers disease. Delirium is a reversible condition if the underlying cause is properly diagnosed and treated. About 700,000 Americans suffer from this hard-to-diagnose condition because it resembles other brain diseases. Older adults already have less of these key brain chemicals because our bodies produce less as we age. A reversible condition which COULD BE mistaken for dementia is A. Depression B. Low B12 can mimic symptoms of Alzheimers or dementia, with confusion and brain fog. 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. Mold growth happens often in housing and buildings, especially older buildings. Delirium. Reversible causes of memory loss It's important to remember that memory loss doesn't automatically mean that you have dementia. Atterton, B., Paulino, M. C., Povoa, P., & Martin-Loeches, I. Proper diet and treatment of a B12 deficiency may reverse dementia-like symptoms and help prevent them from developing in the future. It hits you like a speeding truck hanging on worn brakes. The most common types of dementia including Alzheimers, vascular, Lewy Body, and frontotemporal are still irreversible and incurable. Doctors often diagnose dementia as a generalized disorder that affects the brain causing memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and even physical manifestations. 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. It is important to have a full thyroid panel done to show T3, T4 and free and total levels as well. The decline in mental function interferes with your daily life and activities. With this procedure, dementia can be controlled or reversed. 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. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. This is something best discussed with your healthcare practitioner. In order to ensure a proper diagnosis, your loved ones doctor will likely conduct diagnostic tests and perform a physical examination. A standardized blood test can check for this immune response and is diagnosed in a small percentage of people. However, in more severe cases, the symptoms may last months or longer. Instead, its a general term that comprises brain disorders marked by cognitive impairment. 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. Delirium Delirium happens when there is a sudden change in the brain that causes emotional disruption and mental confusion. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in the brains cavities. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. Delirium: In delirium, the opposite is true. The link was the strongest in women who inherited the APOE4 gene and area more susceptible to Alzheimers disease. The following symptoms are considered hallmarks of normal pressure hydrocephalus: Difficulty walking that's sometimes compared to the way a person walks "on a boat," with the body bent forward, legs held wide apart and feet moving as if they're "glued to the deck." Mild dementia that involves loss of interest in daily activities . Delirium is also sometimes known as potentially reversible dementia-- which isnt dementia but try saying reversible conditions that mimic dementia a couple of times. The B vitamins represent a group of essential dietary nutrients that work together and are absolutely essential for every aspect of brain and nerve function. This can cause confusion that makes it look like their mental abilities are affected. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. 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. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause various symptoms to appear over time. Dementia can manifest in many different ways. Dementia Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that affect your thinking, memory, reasoning, personality, mood and behavior. Its often caused by a sudden illness or infection. 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. 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. This fermentation process produces chemical byproducts, alcohol and acetaldehyde, which are actually toxic to the body. Many frequently prescribed medications have anticholinergic properties or properties that block the effect of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for muscle control, learning, memory, and attention. Medications are also common culprits in mental decline and dementia. I can help you compare costs & services for FREE! Of course, just because you have these symptoms doesnt mean its dementia.