Mold toxicity can manifest with so many different and diverse symptoms, that it is frequently misdiagnosed. Causes including those that can be reversed are: Here are some of the medical conditions that mimic dementia. Other times they might not notice it. Currently, she is involved in medical research as well as volunteer telemedicine consults. Some types of dementia are reversible Normal pressure hydrocephalus, caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid, can be helped by surgical intervention. confusion [4], Especially in the elderly, delirium may be triggered by several problems. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause various symptoms to appear over time. The same thing goes with environmental allergies. Instead, its a general term that comprises brain disorders marked by cognitive impairment. Gogia B, Fang X. Differentiating Delirium Versus Dementia in the Elderly. Doctors often diagnose dementia as a generalized disorder that affects the brain causing memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and even physical manifestations. Dementia is one of the most commons forms of disability and dependency among elderly people. There are many forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better. Getting systemic infections like UTIs under control can help prevent dementia-like symptoms. Its often caused by a sudden illness or infection. Samuels MH. Participants taking the anti-cholinergic drugs also tested worst on memory tests. While we have mentioned the most common conditions that can mimic dementia, there are still others out there. 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. Fast heart rate The condition has been linked to subtle decline in memory and executive function. 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! People often take over the counter antihistamines for seasonal allergies, but for many people, taking allergy medication can actually contribute to dementia! While we have mentioned the most common conditions that can mimic dementia, there are still others out there. Family history, poor heart health, and having a head injury can also increase ones likelihood. However, unlike dementia, delirium is often reversible. One out of 8 participants were deficient in B12 and one in 7 deficient in folate, with deficiencies increasing with age. Sleep problems can cause dementia-like symptoms such as trouble focusing, mental fatigue, confusion, and irritability. Gluten reactions and celiac disease are reactions to gluten in wheat, rye, and barley. dementia is NOT a normal part of aging. 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. Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. Is dementia completely reversible? 6 Potentially Reversible Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia by Carol Bradley Bursack Writer June 30, 2016 When dementia symptoms appear it's natural to fear that the person affected has an. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. UTIs result when bacteria, often e.coli bacteria, enters the urethra and travels to the bladder. Some treatments include using natural binders such as charcoal and clay, which trap the toxins and to remove them from the body. Irritability The International Journal of Neuroscience. Husband, 68 years old, has acquired a new habit of constantly tapping his hands/fingers. The gradual progression of hypothyroidism can make it hard to distinguish from primary dementia. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. What conditions can be mistaken for dementia? 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. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. 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. If someone is clinically depressed, they will exhibit low mood, loss of interest and concentration, and disturbed sleep. 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. 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. [Updated 2021 Nov 20]. Infection C. Medication interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above 4. Certain types of TBIs, or repeated mild TBIs, may even increase the risk of developing dementia years after the injury takes place.[10]. 27(1), 26-29. Mold allergies and mold toxicity, however, are two different things and you do not have to be allergic to mold to react negatively to toxins in the mold. 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. Early symptoms of a slow-growing brain tumor can often mimic those of dementia. 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. What if it just looked like dementia? Because the brain and organs are so dependent upon each other, its not surprising that many different physical disorders can cause cognitive problems. Clarfield, A. M. (2003, October 13). Women are more susceptible to UTIs than men; however, people with in-dwelling catheters, diabetes, or a weak immune system may be more at riskwhether male or female. Reversible dementias. Mold growth happens often in housing and buildings, especially older buildings. Flavoring water with fruit like lemon, or using smaller, less daunting glasses, might help. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a health condition encountered in patients who lack a certain substance called thiamine. Available from: Vasan S, Kumar A. Wernicke Encephalopathy. This means that adopting abrain-healthy dietand lifestyle becomes critical to offset any future dementia risks due to brain injury. 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. Here are 10 potentially reversible causes of dementia symptoms . In a research experiment, C.albicans was injected into mice. 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. 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. TBIs may cause dementia-like symptoms that can include the following[10]: Treatment: Specialized hospital care and inpatient rehabilitation can typically reverse dementia induced by TBI. Sometimes, they may have problems doing things they used to do, such as getting dressed for a party or preparing their food. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to memory dysfunction and depression. Cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Medication Class. Earlier, we mentioned that doctors might take a patients thyroid hormone levels when evaluating dementia. Other times they might not notice it. [15], Vitamin B12 deficiencyis common in seniors, and it has been linked to increasing levels of cognitive decline and vascular risk factors.[16]. Most seasonal allergies occur in the spring, summer and fall, but with the warming climate, many seasonal allergies have been extended into longer periods. Factors Related to the Severity of Delirium in the Elderly Patients With Infection. Medicina. Figueroa PBS, Ferreira AFF, Britto LR, Doussoulin AP, Torro ADS. Recently, several population-based studies demonstrated an association between hypo- or hyperthyroidism and Alzheimer's disease. Take your loved one to the doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms. Caregivers can attest that the decline in their thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communication skills is so significant that it interferes with their daily affairs. Sores in mouth or on tongue The primary difference between dementia and these other conditions is that with dementia, the symptoms materially interfere with the daily life of the person who has . Thyroid dysfunction is often associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimers disease. 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. Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. Infections are a bit tricky in the elderly. As people age, the ability to absorb B12 declines. When cases are mild, they can be managed with an ER visit or a short hospital stay. Dementia doesn't affect the level of consciousness. Whereas delirium is considered an acute confusional state that comes and goes, often starting just a few days or weeks ago. However, some medical conditions may cause cognitive decline, and treating those can reverse dementia-like symptoms. Delirium may cause dementia-like symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. Do infections accelerate cognitive decline? As stated, some antidepressants can also cause signs similar to dementia. Can depression be mistaken for dementia? If alcohol abuse is the cause of your loved ones cognitive decline, support their sobriety and consider incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into your loved ones daily routine. Prevalence of potentially reversible dementias in a dementia outpatient clinic of a tertiary university-affiliated hospital in Brasil. (2020, May 18). Indian Journal of Psychiatry. The connection between celiac disease and mental deterioration is not fully known but it could be a combination of several factors. I'm matching you with one of our specialists who will be calling you in the next few minutes. People with delirium have an altered awareness that mainly affects their attention. Coping with a Diagnosis. Tripathi, M. & Vibha, D. (2009, January). For years my thyroid test (TSH) came back normal. 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. [02] During a major depressive episode, the condition can cause rapidly progressive dementia. Brain and Nerve. What Is The Difference Between Dementia And Alzheimers? These changes are often permanent and change the course of a person's life. Any advice? This Common Condition Can Easily Be Mistaken for Dementia, Experts Say. Reversible dementias Altered mental status generally refers to the change in cognition or level of consciousness, as we have mentioned earlier. Depression. . Some of these symptoms include balance problems, fatigue, and impaired thinking and reasoning. I finally got into a Nurse Practitioner who worked for a D.O at a holistic type of clinic. What is a reversible form of dementia? Additionally, delirium causes brain fog and fluctuations between drowsiness and alertness, whereas dementia doesnt affect consciousness. UTIs are common among women and the elderly. Copyright 2023 A Place for Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved. From mental illnesses and medication side effects to infections and delirium, the list is lengthy. They can also sometimes trigger other symptoms like headaches, seizures, or vomiting. Sedatives. This causes a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain. Its important to plan for care if your loved one is diagnosed with dementia. By Luisa Coln. 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. Delirium. Yeast overgrowth also crowds out the beneficial bacteria in the gut, causing an imbalance in healthy gut bacteria. The most common types of dementia including Alzheimers, vascular, Lewy Body, and frontotemporal are still irreversible and incurable. Dementia is the loss of cognitive function and affects daily life and activities by interfering with ones ability to think, remember, and reason. Some . Normal pressure hydrocephalus. 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. In fact, most research on B vitamins shows that they actually should be taken at levels well above the current dietary recommendations. 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. 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. Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. Infections that can cause dementia. Infection C. Medication Interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above. 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]. My husband has Alzheimer's. Delirium refers to a neurocognitive condition where a person becomes confused and cannot fully make sense of their environment. Several other health conditions have symptoms that mimic dementia, and if treated, those symptoms can be dealt with. Severe depression when untreated can cause " pseudodementia ". Depending on their location, brain tumors can affect cognitive function and cause confusion, memory loss, and changes in personality. Antibiotics are given to clear up the infection and should be given as soon as possible. While this patient did not have CJD, they did have celiac disease with dementia as a result. Laboratory tests can also identify some mold toxins that show up in the urine as well. As a result, drugs and other toxins tend to accumulate in the body. Some drugs, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol abuse, depression, and brain tumors can cause dementia-like symptoms. Once treatment is completed, the dementia should be reversible. All of this leads to brain fog and confusion. And, people who take medication for stomach acid reduction are at very high risk for a B12 deficiency. Contents hide 1 Characteristics and evaluation of dementia 2 Reversible dementias 2.1 Infection 2.2 Hypothyroidism 2.3 Other conditions 3 References: If you search out dementia online, you're likely to find that it is charact. The symptoms include psychosis, disorientation, memory loss, and confusion. They can become systemic and wreak havoc on a persons mental clarity, potentially causing agitation, sudden confusion, or withdrawal. Strict avoidance of all gluten in all foods will stop triggering the celiac/gluten reaction and can help reverse this condition. 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. Treatment with thyroid supplementation (especially medication that includes both T3 and T4) can help reverse this health condition. This is something best discussed with your healthcare practitioner. Alzheimers Association. The term dementia refers to conditions that affect remembering, thinking, and behavior. Altered mental status generally refers to the change in cognition or level of consciousness, as we have mentioned earlier. It first affects the part of the brain responsible for learning; its why the earliest symptoms include difficulty recalling things and learning new information. Decline in memory, problem-solving, thinking, and judgment are commonly seen in dementia. This is. This may lead to frustration, aggression, and behavioral changes. apathy Clinical Interventions in Aging. 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. Other causes include normal pressure hydrocephalus, neoplasms, metabolic disorders, trauma, medications and infections. ALL OF THE INFORMATION IS VERY INFORMATIVE FOR ME AS A SENIOR, THAT I DID NOT KNOW. There are several physical illnesses, like infections and vitamin deficiencies, that can mimic the symptoms of dementia. (2021, June 16). We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. What's especially frightening about the new case report is that the . The MOST COMMON form of dementia is A. Alzheimer's Disease B. Vascular Disease C. Parkinson's Disease D. Huntington's Disease E. Lewy Body Disease 3.
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