Dementia or Something Else?
Linda Ziac, LPC, LADC, CEAP, CCM, CDP, CMDCP
Case Management & Advocacy | Case Management Expert
“When you or a a loved one seems more confused.
Would it surprise you to know, that there are as many as 60 conditions that mimic dementia, that are treatable.
DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS WITHOUT ALL THE FACTS
I’d like to stress the importance of not jumping to conclusions.
There are as many as 60 conditions that mimic dementia, that are treatable.
It’s very important that you have a yearly physical, and if you are concerned about yourself or another person’s memory loss or other symptoms, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN MIMIC DEMENTIA
There are as many as 60 conditions that are known to present with dementia like symptoms, and are referred to as reversible dementias.
It has been estimated that as many as 20% of people presenting with dementia like symptoms, actually have an underlying condition, that if diagnosed and properly treated; can result in a partial or full return of the person’s mental functioning.
Remember the first step is to have a thorough diagnostic evaluation conducted by a qualified medical professional to rule out what it isn’t, before determining whether this may be a reversible or irreversible form of dementia like symptoms.
Some common causes of reversible dementia like symptoms.
It could be the result of…
- Medication interactions or side effects
- Respiratory infection (including COVID-19)
- Urinary tract infection
- Sleep issues
- Dehydration
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (May cause walking problems, urinary difficulty & memory
loss)
It could also be the result of...
- Alcohol abuse
- Anoxia – when organ tissues aren't receiving enough oxygen (e.g. severe asthma, heart
attack, carbon monoxide poisoning)
- Brain disease (e.g. tumor which presents as impairment of mental functions)
- Delirium
- Depression (may include forgetfulness, disorientation, inattentiveness, and slowed
responses)
- Diabetes
- Drug abuse
- Environmental toxins (e.g. exposure to heavy metals such as lead)
- Hearing loss
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- Heart disease
- Hormonal disorders (e.g. thyroid disease)
- Infections (e.g. urinary tract infection)
- Metabolic disorders (e.g. dehydration, kidney failure, COPD)
- Traumas (due to falls, concussions or contusions to the head)
- Vitamin deficiencies (e.g. B-12 with pernicious anemia)
Here is a sample list of some medications, that may also result in dementia like symptoms:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Anti-Parkinson drugs
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Ardiovascular drugs
- Anticonvulsants
- Corticosteroids
- Narcotics
- Sedatives
Why not talk with a medical professional about any dementia like symptoms you may be experiencing.
DEMENTIA
The National Institute on Aging reports that, “Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that get worse over time.”
Although dementia is known to affect mainly older people, dementia is NOT a normal part of aging.
According to World Alzheimer Report for 2024, there are currently more than 55 million people who have dementia worldwide. Each year, there are nearly 10 million new cases.
Surprisingly, dementia is potentially preventable in 1/3 of cases.
In my next article I will share more about information about dementia, as well as the various types of dementia, such as vascular dementia.
Photo from Microsoft
The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
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Linda Ziac is a CT Licensed and Nationally Certified professional, with over 49 years of experience in the health and mental health field. In 1990, Linda Ziac had a vision of creating a place where seniors, people with special needs, and their loved ones could turn for support, find answers to their questions, and engage trained professionals to help them navigate the often confusing and overwhelming healthcare maze. Together, Linda works with the client, family, and healthcare professionals to help assess and implement ways to allow for the client's greatest degree of health, safety, independence, and quality of life.
"Serving Connecticut for Over 34 Years"