Although not entirely a true dementia, this condition is worth mentioning as many cases of depression may be mistaken for dementia. Delirium refers to a neurocognitive condition where a person becomes confused and cannot fully make sense of their environment. Signs or symptoms connected with dementia could involve memory reduction, confusion, and disorientation, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's important to see a doctor if you're experiencing sudden memory-loss symptoms, especially if your health has recently changed. Signs or symptoms connected with dementia could involve memory reduction, confusion, and disorientation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tschampa HJ, Neumann M, Zerr I, et al. However, Alzheimer's is far from the only one. Other symptoms associated with B vitamin deficiency include: Pins and needs feeling in hands and feet Trouble walking (also a sign of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) Fatigue Fast heart rate Shortness of breath Sores in mouth or on tongue Ther e are several symptoms which can be easily identified and might indicate that one suffers from this health problem. "In those cases, treatment could ultimately be more harmful," Amjad explains. Delirium may be mistaken for dementia in some people. Pseudodementia is a condition where the person appears to have dementia, but in fact has a different medical condition. There are three main NPH symptoms: mild dementia, gait changes (and difficulty walking), and impaired bladder control. Delirium refers to a neurocognitive condition where a person becomes confused and cannot fully make sense of their environment. Drug effects and interactions. Lung problems. Reversible dementia has much of the same symptoms as irreversible dementia, so testing is necessary to determine the cause. Make sure you are diagnosed correctly. Delirium may be mistaken for dementia in some people. But experts say up to 5 percent of Americans diagnosed with those incurable brain disorders actually have a treatable condition called "normal pressure hydrocephalus." Delirium refers to a neurocognitive condition where a person becomes confused and cannot fully make sense of their environment. A reversible change is where like if you had some ice, you could melt and then change it back to ice again making it a reversible. Personality and mood changes are more commonly known potential symptoms, however. Temporary dementia can be successfully treated and potentially reversed if the cause is removed. A A. What other conditions could possibly be confused with dementia? Reversible conditions with symptoms of dementia can be caused by a high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or a . The degenerative brain disease is the most common type of dementia, an umbrella term for loss of memory, language, and other thinking abilities that become severe enough to interfere with a person's daily life. However, diseases like diabetes can have similar symptoms but not necessarily lead to dementia. 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. The importance of knowing the differences between depression and dementia has been made even more important with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting lockdowns at long-term care facilities . It's important to see a doctor if you're experiencing sudden memory-loss symptoms, especially if your health has recently changed. Symptoms associated with dementia may include memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, according to the Mayo Clinic. In people with Alzheimer's, this can progressively . A person with dementia could have one or more diseases that cause dementia. This Common Condition Can Be Mistaken for Dementia Best Life. Types of Reversible Dementia. delirium & depression can be mistaken for false dementia (pseudodementia) delirium is usually temporary or reversible, it occurs w/ physical & mental illness. The study was inspired by the 2007 discovery of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a disease that causes symptoms similar to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder but can be treated with existing . As people age, they tend to absorb vitamins less efficiently and need. Inflammation. Dementia: Dementia is generally a chronic, progressive disease that is incurable. In . Its causes are many and include infection, metabolic disturbances, toxic medication reactions, withdrawal from alcohol, and the effects of head injury, just to name a few. What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? Diagnosing Dementia. To estimate how often dementia can be reversed, we carried . It is, what we call in the medical parlance, a syndrome. Primary NPH, on the other hand . Dementia may be the presentation of many diseases and it may also be mimicked by many other diseases that are reversible. Vitamin deficiency. Russell McLendon Updated: Jan. 25, 2021. . Metabolic/endocrine problems and nutritional deficiencies: Metabolic and endocrine problems that can cause dementia include hypoglycemia, thyroid problems, too little or too much sodium or calcium and impaired absorption of the vitamin B-12. According to Alzheimer Society Canada, the following are common causes of reversible dementia: . E. All of the above A study by Hung and colleagues indicates that primary insomnia is associated with a two- to three-fold increased risk for developing dementia. Smoking. Conditions that Mimic Parkinson's. Parkinsonism is a term used to describe the collection of signs and symptoms found in Parkinson's Disease (PD). a reversible condition which could be mistaken for dementia is A. Depression B. How a Reversible Type of Dementia Can be Mistaken for Alzheimer's Disease. In many cases if doctors can find what caused the delirium and treat the cause, then the dysfunction may . Getting the right diagnosis is important so that you know what options you have, because symptoms subside when the . Dementia is not a disease. The symptoms can mimic Alzheimer's disease. 1 of 8 Vitamin Deficiency Vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms similar to dementia, particularly Vitamin B12 deficiency. The following are among the more common causes of reversible dementia: Excess alcohol consumption. Brain abnormalities, such as a structural lesion and a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus, also can cause memory loss. Other signs of dementia include memory loss, difficulty communicating or finding words, difficulty reasoning or problem-solving, difficulty handling complex tasks, difficulty with planning and organizing, difficulty with coordination and motor functions, and confusion and disorientation. This is mainly because the two organs provide nutrients and oxygen to the brain; hence, they are essential for normal functioning. Delirium: Delirium can last for a couple of days to even a couple of months. Severe depression when untreated can cause " pseudodementia ". Conditions other than PD may have one or more of these symptoms, mimicking Parkinson's. But cognitive decline can manifest in sudden methods as perfectly, including owning problems handling dollars and encountering certain foodstuff cravings. . A careful history may be needed to make the diagnosis. [ 3] Early signs of Alzheimer's dementia include new memory loss, moments of confusion, difficulty planning or problem solving, mood changes, and social withdrawal. When it comes to chronic infections, sometimes the . Many of those conditions are treatable, and . Delirium is also sometimes known as "potentially reversible dementia"-- which isn't dementia but try saying "reversible conditions that mimic dementia" a couple of times. What reversible condition could be mistaken for dementia? As we get older, the risk of dementia looms large. The primary difference between age-related memory loss and dementia is if memory lapses have little impact on your daily performance and ability to do what you want to do. In many cases if doctors can find what caused the delirium and treat the cause, then the dysfunction may be reversed. Inflammation. Infection C. Medication interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above 4. However, the symptoms of AD gradually lead to behavior and personality changes, a decline in cognitive abilities such as . It could be that a patient's increasing confusion is due to dementia's progression rather than because of infection. 6/2/2022 2:00:00 PM. However, removing the cause, the dementia is potentially reversible. Delirium may be mistaken for dementia in some people. Depression. . In addition to finding treatment for the condition, current research efforts are dedicated to understanding why dementia is so rampantaffecting 55 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).This number is expected to rise with the aging population, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050. A new research study could have a significant impact on the millions diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, including many homeless. . Recently, several population-based studies demonstrated an association between hypo- or hyperthyroidism and Alzheimer's disease. depression is the most common mental health problem in older . . That number is predicted to double every 20 . The woman's case of "reversible dementia" highlights just how much vitamin B12 does for the body. Understanding the differences between memory changes that are common as you age and the early signs of Alzheimer's may be . Alzheimer's Disease International reports that more than 55 million people across the globe were living with dementia in 2020. There are said to be around a hundred causes of dementia. 3. Worried about forgetfulness? For example, headaches, frequent anger episodes, mood swings, slurred speech as well as memory gaps are serious signs of alcoholic dementia. A syndrome is a collection of symptoms and manifestations that can collectively represent a condition. Depression. Delirium may be mistaken for dementia in some people. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry . In many cases if doctors can find what caused the delirium and treat the cause, then the dysfunction may be reversed. Smoking. There are many conditions that can cause delirium such as an infection, severe malnutrition, a medical condition, a reaction to drugs or medications, and even problems with . Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Seniors who lose interest in cooking or have trouble preparing meals often end up with vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B-12. There are many conditions that can cause delirium such as an infection, severe malnutrition, a medical condition, a reaction to drugs or medications, and even problems with . But cognitive decline can manifest in unexpected ways as well, including having problems managing money and experiencing certain food cravings. Dementia doesn't affect the level of consciousness. Because of the number of possible causes for dementia, your loved one's doctor will want to take a thorough medical history, including what drugs your loved one is taking and the start/stop dates for those drugs. -25% of patients with this disease has dementia-difficult to distinguish from AD-usually a history of tremors prior to onset of dementia. 6/2/2022 2:00:00 PM. . Source BestLife. This condition is actually considered a risk factor for developing vascular dementia. Secondary NPH is associated with a known trigger, such as a tumor, infection, traumatic brain injury, or complications from surgery, and can occur at any age. Low B12 can mimic symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia, with confusion and brain fog. Abstract. The most common dementia-causing disease is Alzheimer's Disease. Disorders of the heart and lungs are some of the top answers available for anyone who asks what conditions can be mistaken for dementia. There's a crucial difference between the two conditions, as well:"Depressive pseudodementia has but, unlike true dementia, these symptoms may be reversible with treatment for depression," according . Delirium refers to a neurocognitive condition where a person becomes confused and cannot fully make sense of their environment. But, depression is also the most treatable of all mental illnesses. 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. . Initially, people experience memory loss and confusion, which may be mistaken for the kinds of memory changes that are sometimes associated with normal aging. These include slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity), tremor and imbalance (postural instability). The condition is usually reversible, however, extremely prolonged use can result in permanent tremors. These scans can also show the loss of brain mass associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. There are misconceptions about dementia causes and if there is any real worry there is the option of getting a brain scan. Pseudo-dementia, as it is called, occurs in patients with a history of depression. Drug effects and interactions. Others include vascular dementia, Fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD), Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), and mixed dementia. Delirium may be mistaken for dementia in some people. Many other conditions, in addition to the ones above, can cause symptoms that mimic dementia or Alzheimer's disease, including disorders of the heart, lungs, liver or kidneys, thyroid problems, sodium or vitamin B12 deficiency, some cancers, pain, constipation, heavy alcohol use and depression. Here are 10 potentially reversible causes of dementia symptoms . List the three stages of Alzheimer's disease. The good news is that with medical intervention, a vitamin B-12 deficiency can usually be treated and the symptoms will resolve with treatment. Dementia due to infection may occur rapidly, which is a telltale difference between a reversible and an irreversible condition. Reversible Dementias. Diabetes. 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. In older adults, depression must be considered when looking for possible causes of dementia, since the treatment is very different for depression than it would be for dementia. Make sure you are diagnosed correctly. Metabolic disease or abnormalities. Persona and mood changes are a lot more typically . Typically, this is due to depression. Reversible dementia is a type of dementia where it is often a side effect or a symptom of the underlying disease.In these cases of dementia, it is possible to improve memory . 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. Srinonprasert V. Prevalence of potentially reversible conditions in dementia and mild cognitive impairment in a geriatric . More than 50 conditions can cause or mimic the symptoms of dementia, and a small percentage of dementias are reversible. Depression is also common in the elderly, with approximately 6 million people over age 65 suffering from the condition. Delirium may be mistaken for dementia in some people. Infection C. Medication Interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above. In many cases if doctors can find what caused the delirium and treat the cause, then the dysfunction may . Not all cases of NPH involve all three symptoms at the same time, and some. Many other conditions, in addition to the ones above, can cause symptoms that mimic dementia or Alzheimer's disease, including disorders of the heart, lungs, liver or kidneys, thyroid problems, sodium or vitamin B12 deficiency, some cancers, pain, constipation, heavy alcohol use and depression. 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 7. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Symptoms of alcohol dementia. There's a crucial difference between the two conditions, as well:"Depressive pseudodementia has but, unlike true dementia, these symptoms may be reversible with treatment for depression," according . It's neccessary for proper neurological function and the formation of red blood cells. What appeared to be the beginning of Alzheimer's was eventually diagnosed as NPH and successfully treated. Dementia, on the other hand, is marked by a persistent, disabling decline in two or more intellectual abilities such as memory, language, judgment, and abstract thinking. There are literally hundreds of different conditions that can cause memory loss . Depression isn't something they can just snap out of, but it can be treated successfully with medication, regular exercise, or cognitive therapy and stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or prayer. Two common examples are dementia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Conditions that involve cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer'sa progressive disease that is the most common cause of dementia aren't just prevalent; they're on the rise. Having regular alcohol blackout symptoms while . The following are among the more common causes of reversible dementia: Excess alcohol consumption. Many of those conditions are treatable, and . There are 8 treatable conditions that often get mistaken for Alzheimer's Disease. Because so many different conditions can produce symptoms typically associated with dementia, the doctor must rule out . Dehydration and a lack of B-1 or B-6 vitamins can also cause dementia. NPH is commonly misdiagnosed by primary care physicians who lack familiarity with the condition; they may instead blame dementia on Alzheimer's or gait deviations on Parkinson's. Patients with NPH often visit several . The question here is if depression is being mistaken for dementia.