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! 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. Corticosteroids loss of sense of direction The classic symptoms of gluten sensitivity show up as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, cramping and nutrient deficiencies. Depression. 116(8), 895-906. Strict avoidance of all gluten in all foods will stop triggering the celiac/gluten reaction and can help reverse this condition. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Chemotherapy 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. 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. E. All of the above 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 Are Some Of The Signs And Symptoms Of These Conditions? Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. Other things that can cause yeast to grow out of control include: Antibiotics Worth noting is that depression can be one of the signs of dementia. However, this will continue to be a problem unless the underlying liver damage is corrected.[9]. Samuels, M. H. (2015, October 1). But what if it wasnt dementia? The standard test for celiac disease, looks for a reaction to ONE specific gliadin, alpha gliadin and tissue transglutaminase, tTG-2. [02] During a major depressive episode, the condition can cause rapidly progressive dementia. However, in more severe cases, the symptoms may last months or longer. You can try to read passages from the "Dementia Praecox . That means that only about 15 percent of people with gluten issues are actually diagnosed. [2], Technically, dementia is characterized by something that is chronic or takes a long time to develop. Other conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms include thyroid disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, Lyme disease, heart and lung disease, and respiratory infections. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; AgingCare does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia and is more prevalent among older people. Symptoms usually disappear after treatment of the original medical condition, coining the termreversible dementia. In addition, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency may cause homocysteine levels to rise. In order to ensure a proper diagnosis, your loved ones doctor will likely conduct diagnostic tests and perform a physical examination. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in the brains cavities. TBI symptoms typically appear at the time of injury, or soon after, but in some cases, they may not develop for days or weeks. Do you think your husband has early dementia? NPH normally occurs spontaneously, but it can also result from head trauma, brain hemorrhage, or meningitis. Sometimes, they may have problems doing things they used to do, such as getting dressed for a party or preparing their food. They can also cause irritability, and even depression and anxiety. Depression and dementia are both common in later years, and each can lead to the other, according to Harvard Health Publishing. 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. 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. Pharmaceutical medications include Nystatin which is more gentle to the system, or fluconazole (Diflucan). 3 . Vitamin B12 deficiency: An important reversible co-morbidity in neuropsychiatric manifestations. Brand Name. Currently, she is involved in medical research as well as volunteer telemedicine consults. Delirium: In delirium, the opposite is true. 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. Infection C. Medication Interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above. Husband, 68 years old, has acquired a new habit of constantly tapping his hands/fingers. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. When the underlying cause of delirium is addressed, the cognitive symptomstypicallyfade over time. A 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology shows brain imaging that detects how anti-cholinergic drugs impact the brain. BrightFocus Foundation. Your email address will not be published. Several other health conditions have symptoms that mimic dementia, and if treated, those symptoms can be dealt with. In a 2017 study, in 3 months, 60 elderly patients were hospitalized for delirium with infection as the cause. But cognitive decline can . Low B12 is actually associated with brain shrinkage, along with diminished brain function. 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. It could be an early sign of Alzheimer'sor it could lead to a misdiagnosis. 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 hypothyroidism and There are many other reasons why you may be experiencing cognitive problems, including stress, depression, and even vitamin deficiencies. The search for treatable conditions may be stopped too early. [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. A reversible condition which COULD BE mistaken for dementia is A. Depression B. One can replenish by the consumption of clear fluids or in some cases, through IV fluids. Delirium is a change in mental state that develops quickly and can become very serious. However, the reality is that the lines blur when we discuss persistent delirium or reversible dementia and one may be mistaken for the other. Can dementia be cured? With this procedure, dementia can be controlled or reversed. 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]. One of them is black mold. Dementia Praecox was the type of dementia that involved brain lesions post mortem. 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. At worst, they lose the ability to take care of themselves.[1]. They can become systemic and wreak havoc on a persons mental clarity, potentially causing agitation, sudden confusion, or withdrawal. Other times they might not notice it. AgingCare.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; or legal, or financial or any other professional services advice. But often as we get older, forgetfulness tends to cause more than just temporary anxiety. Try essential oils instead to relieve symptoms naturallywithout the unhealthy side effects. 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. Dementia is caused by progressive damage to brain cells. Mold toxicity can manifest with so many different and diverse symptoms, that it is frequently misdiagnosed. Benztropine, Tolterodine, Dicyclomine. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 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. My 81-year-old mom has dementia and is narcissistic. They can manifest as memory loss, general sluggishness, a flitting attention span, and depressed or apathetic mood.[6]. Niacin deficiency is common in populations that consume large amounts of corn or sorghum, but can occur also as a result of alcoholism or gastrointestinal disease. It is the brain lesions that could have caused Dementia. 6. Clarfield, A. M. (2003, October 13). The link was the strongest in women who inherited the APOE4 gene and area more susceptible to Alzheimers disease. Medications are also common culprits in mental decline and dementia. (2021). From mental illnesses and medication side effects to infections and delirium, the list is lengthy. [06], Systemic infections, including UTIs, pneumonia, HIV, Lyme disease, and COVID-19, have all been linked to cognitive decline in aging adults.[07,08]. Often, these include memory loss, where they forget something that was said recently. Two common examples are dementia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid . [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. Especially in the elderly, delirium may be triggered by several problems. UTIs result when bacteria, often e.coli bacteria, enters the urethra and travels to the bladder. Behavior can include confusion, agitation, withdrawal, fantasy stories, manic episodes, yelling, crying and agitation. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, judgement and even movement. This fermentation process produces chemical byproducts, alcohol and acetaldehyde, which are actually toxic to the body. Celiac disease or IBD. In: Bello VME, Schultz RR. 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 . Brain and Nerve. Delirium. 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. 7 Reversible Health Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia. Illnesses including diabetes, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease . Recently, several population-based studies demonstrated an association between hypo- or hyperthyroidism and Alzheimer's disease. Strong odor to the urine. This fungal infection can also lead to the formation of abnormal structures in the brain, very similar to that of Alzheimers disease. Our vision is to be the most trusted source of information and support for seniors and their families. Once treatment is completed, the dementia should be reversible. 1. Archives of Internal Medicine. Antibiotics are given to clear up the infection and should be given as soon as possible. However, the reality is that the lines blur when we discuss persistent delirium or reversible dementia and one may be mistaken for the other. In other similar cases, the celiac symptoms and mental decline occurred simultaneously. The decline in mental function interferes with your daily life and activities. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. This issort ofreversible as the cognitive impairment can be remedied by supporting the clearance of ammonia. Mills, B. However, its important to remember that just because a senior has dementia-like symptoms, it doesnt mean they actually have dementia. Dementia can manifest in many different ways. They may leave their glasses or dentures in strange places like the fridge. difficulty completing tasks . apathy Emmady PD, Tadi P. Dementia. Decreased appetite. Reversible dementia is a type of dementia where it is often a side effect or a symptom of the underlying disease. Hallucinations 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. In particular, those two words are bound to be frightening to just about anyone. ALL OF THE INFORMATION IS VERY INFORMATIVE FOR ME AS A SENIOR, THAT I DID NOT KNOW. The cause of dementia may be disease or injury that changes the brain. Alcohol Should I lie to him? If left untreated, this deficiency can cause severe neurological problems and blood diseases, according to Harvard Health. 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. Alzheimers Association. Poor . One out of 8 participants were deficient in B12 and one in 7 deficient in folate, with deficiencies increasing with age. 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. B vitamins are water soluble and are easily washed out of the system and can also be taken at higher levels without toxicity. However, when the yeast infection was eliminated, memory and confusion went away. Normal pressure hydrocephalus This may lead to frustration, aggression, and behavioral changes. Hypothyroidism often occurs in middle age or elderly people with more females than males affected (about 1 male to every 5 females). 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. Head injuries, even ones that seem minor, can cause significant cognitive problems. To prevent dehydration, older adults should aim to get at least 48 ounces of caffeine-free fluids (six 8-ounce glasses) a day. When cases are mild, they can be managed with an ER visit or a short hospital stay. What Is The Difference Between Dementia And Alzheimers? Extreme fatigue The symptoms include psychosis, disorientation, memory loss, and confusion. Additionally, delirium causes brain fog and fluctuations between drowsiness and alertness, whereas dementia doesnt affect consciousness. [3], Earlier, we mentioned that doctors might take a patients thyroid hormone levels when evaluating dementia. The term dementia refers to conditions that affect remembering, thinking, and behavior. What is a reversible form of dementia? This is something best discussed with your healthcare practitioner. When allergy season strikes, there are healthy alternatives to allergy medications. Inflammation is one of the triggers that helps push people towards Alzheimers disease and dementia. General hypothyroidism can be tested by a simple TSH test, but this should not be the only test performed. 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. Mike Geary has been a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer for over 15 years now. forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, but is potentially reversible . 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. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. Here are 10 potentially reversible causes of dementia symptoms . confusion 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. Doubly challenging is that older individuals are more likely to catch these infections. -25% of patients with this disease has dementia-difficult to distinguish from AD-usually a history of tremors prior to onset of dementia. Get personalized guidance from a dedicated local advisor. Per the Alzheimers Association, most Alzheimers patients are at least 65 years old. However, not everyone who has depression will develop dementia, and vice versa. Some psychiatric disorders, such as depression, can also cause dementia-like symptoms in seniors. Urinary incontinence Lastly, the doctor might request for laboratory tests to be done. Will All Dementia-Like Symptoms Go Away When The Condition Is Treated? Mayo clinic gastroenterologist and celiac disease expert Joseph Murray, MD, says he was surprised that the link was so strong. 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. However, the presence of dementia-like symptoms doesnt necessarily equal a dementia diagnosis. You might find them in the middle of a task, having forgotten what they were doing just then. 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? Aging people are especially at risk of poor metabolism of B vitamins, especially B12. 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. Aspiration pneumonia may also happen when food enters the wrong track, as may happen with older adults who have less control of their laryngeal muscles. 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 . 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 bodys inability to correctly absorb B12, a vitamin found in animal products like meat, cheese, eggs and milk, has been linked to neurological disorders. [7] So someone can have thyroid dysfunctions while having a kind of dementia. What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? Takada LT, Caramelli P, Radanovic M, et al. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, weakness, clumsiness, headache, blurred vision, memory problems, confusion, disorientation, mood swings, slurring of words and dizziness. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. 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. Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. People with delirium have an altered awareness that mainly affects their attention. Sources: Whats causing your memory loss? However, unlike dementia, delirium is often reversible. People with dementia are at a higher risk of having delirium. 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). Getting systemic infections like UTIs under control can help prevent dementia-like symptoms. It's often caused by a sudden illness or infection. Known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), it has similar symptoms of dementia. The decreasing prevalence of reversible dementias. After all, dementia has no cure. Candida albicans is a common species of a type of fungus that grows naturally in the human gut, mouth, and vagina. Who hasnt lost a train of thought every once in a while? Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these diseases can help prevent dementia-like symptoms from worsening and, in some cases, reverse the symptoms altogether. Is it? 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. Privacy&Terms. 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 . Fatigue Anti-anxiety and Sleeping-Pill Medications (Benzodiazepines) Lorazepam, Diazepam, Temazepam, Clonazepam. Some medications have even been linked to cognitive decline. difficulty recognizing loved ones and familiar faces 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. Psychiatric Disorders. Some of these symptoms include balance problems, fatigue, and impaired thinking and reasoning. Other symptoms associated with B vitamin deficiency include: Pins and needs feeling in hands and feet Anti-Anxiety Medications BrightFocus Foundation. After all, dementia has no cure. These include slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity), and resting tremor. The good news is that candida overgrowth can be eliminated by a variety of medications, both natural and pharmaceutical. 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. 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. 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. Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also characterized by confusion and altered mental status, may look like dementia. Reversible conditions that can lead to dementia-like symptoms include: Reactions to medications: These are especially common in the elderly, as the more medications one takes, the more likely it is that there will be negative interactions that could cause dementia. In a research experiment, C.albicans was injected into mice. 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. Coping with a Diagnosis. Among older people, depression can cause memory impairment and disorientation. (2022, May 4). Its typically seen in older adults [13]and has been linked to impairments in memory. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 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. Delirium is common, particularly among older people in hospital. The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. Growing older, losing our ability to remember, think, reason, speak, or care for ourselves is not the way we want to view our own aging or that of our loved ones. We offer a wealth of information on topics such as housing, healthcare, finance, travel and more. Your email address will not be published. The majority (73.3%) were diagnosed with the kind of infection that was already considered sepsis. Learn how your comment data is processed. Try cranberry juice. 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. Delirium is a reversible condition if the underlying cause is properly diagnosed and treated. Previously, Nirali worked in social media and marketing, edited a regional senior magazine, and wrote for the American Red Cross. They may leave their glasses or dentures in strange places like the fridge. Hormonal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, anemia, infections, alcoholism and even atherosclerosis are just a few examples of other underlying conditions that can alter one's mental state. As people age, the ability to absorb B12 declines. When left untreated, it can infect the bladder and the kidney. He has been studying nutrition and exercise for almost 25 years, ever since being a young teenager. A Place for Mom is paid by our participating communities, therefore our service is offered at no charge to families. I just need a few things to get you going. When he asks about his mother and I tell him she has died he starts crying. 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. Doctors often diagnose dementia as a generalized disorder that affects the brain causing memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and even physical manifestations. Certain types of dementia, including Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, Parkinsons disease related dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia arent reversible. Do infections accelerate cognitive decline? B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, often manifest in brain function problems, or nerve dysfunction, such as numbness and tingling in feet and hands. And this may not be the feared persistent and progressive deterioration, and we may still get our loved ones back cognitively. 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. Other causes include normal pressure hydrocephalus, neoplasms, metabolic disorders, trauma, medications and infections. What can delirium be mistaken for? It first affects the part of the brain responsible for learning; its why the earliest symptoms include difficulty recalling things and learning new information. Food allergies Thyroid dysfunction has been implicated as a cause of reversible cognitive impairment and as such, the thyroid stimulating hormone has long been part of the screening laboratory test for dementia. The cognitive impact of anticholinergics: A clinical review. For years my thyroid test (TSH) came back normal. 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. 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.