I'm a senior care specialist trained to match you with the care option that is best for you. Many people ask if there is reversible dementia. Kuswardhani RAT, Sugi YS. If left untreated, the bacteria can also move to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which becomes even more serious. Luckily, a balanced diet and vitamin supplements can help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. Delirium is a reversible condition if the underlying cause is properly diagnosed and treated. The good news is that once a mold toxicity diagnosis is made, this can be a very treatable and reversible condition. For years my thyroid test (TSH) came back normal. Here are 10 potentially reversible causes of dementia symptoms . 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. Celiac disease does major damage to the small intestine and destroys its sensitive lining that absorbs nutrients from food, especially the B vitamins, which have much to do with nerves, the brain and moods. She enjoys writing fiction on the side when shes not tending to her plants and three pet turtles. 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. I just need a few things to get you going. Surgeons have set up a one-stop clinic to treat patients with a condition often mistaken for Alzheimer's disease. One of them is black mold. Weakened immune system Depression, . Getting systemic infections like UTIs under control can help prevent dementia-like symptoms. [5], Infections are a bit tricky in the elderly. apathy Diabetes Currently, she is involved in medical research as well as volunteer telemedicine consults. 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. They can range from a few simple ones, such as a complete blood count, to the more specific ones like thyroid function tests. Additionally, delirium causes brain fog and fluctuations between drowsiness and alertness, whereas dementia doesnt affect consciousness. Infection C. Medication interactions D. Thyroid problems E. All of the above 4. [3] The causes may differ depending on the country, with a study done in Brazil showing that infection was the predominant cause. 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. Delirium is a change in mental state that develops quickly and can become very serious. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Learn how your comment data is processed. [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. Aging loved ones are at risk of developing many health conditions due to natural changes related to aging, such as decline in immune function. When in doubt, it may be worth seeing if this is an infection in hiding. 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. Other hormone-related conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms include hypopituitarism (underactive pituitary gland), porphyria (lack of haem, an iron-containing compound), and Cushings syndrome (too much cortisol hormones). It hits you like a speeding truck hanging on worn brakes. However, the presence of dementia-like symptoms doesnt necessarily equal a dementia diagnosis. 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. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also characterized by confusion and altered mental status, may look like dementia. Treatment and controlling for depression through lifestyle or other changes can help improve symptoms. However, the reality is that the lines blur when we discuss persistent delirium or reversible dementia and one may be mistaken for the other. Many patients have recovered mental function when they followed gluten-free diets. Often, these include memory loss, where they forget something that was said recently. The alcoholic dementia symptoms are varied, and this health condition can be influenced by two important factors such as Wernicke's encephalopathy and the Korsakoff syndrome. Causes including those that can be reversed are: Here are some of the medical conditions that mimic dementia. In fact, most research on B vitamins shows that they actually should be taken at levels well above the current dietary recommendations. Coping with a Diagnosis. Sources: Whats causing your memory loss? poor nutrition. 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. The symptoms include psychosis, disorientation, memory loss, and confusion. With a TBI, its important that long-term steps are taken to support continued brain health after the injury. Doubly challenging is that older individuals are more likely to catch these infections. You might find them in the middle of a task, having forgotten what they were doing just then. Urinary incontinence 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 . immune system may not be as strong as it used to be, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557444/. Most diets are lacking in B vitamins in sufficient quantities to supply what is needed. Memory improvement with treatment of hypothyroidism. Ativan, Valium, Restoril, Klonopin. Difficulty concentrating Wernicke's encephalopathy. 1. Cognitive Vitality. (2021, November 8). 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 . 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. You can try to read passages from the "Dementia Praecox . Another problem with gluten is overall increase in inflammation in the body, which can trigger dementia and brain fog. General hypothyroidism can be tested by a simple TSH test, but this should not be the only test performed. Mold toxicity can manifest with so many different and diverse symptoms, that it is frequently misdiagnosed. Light, continuous bruising or bleeding on the brain can also lead to dementia. [06], Systemic infections, including UTIs, pneumonia, HIV, Lyme disease, and COVID-19, have all been linked to cognitive decline in aging adults.[07,08]. 60(3), 225-231. Low B12 can mimic symptoms of Alzheimers or dementia, with confusion and brain fog. Benztropine, Tolterodine, Dicyclomine. This causes a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain. Flavoring water with fruit like lemon, or using smaller, less daunting glasses, might help. Among older people, depression can cause memory impairment and disorientation. Many people with a low thyroid will have trouble converting T3 to T4, especially if they have poor gut health. Sleep problems can cause dementia-like symptoms such as trouble focusing, mental fatigue, confusion, and irritability. These include: Memory loss. (2021, June 16). The term dementia refers to conditions that affect remembering, thinking, and behavior. June 1, 2022. . This means that adopting abrain-healthy dietand lifestyle becomes critical to offset any future dementia risks due to brain injury. infection. Older adults already have less of these key brain chemicals because our bodies produce less as we age. Caregivers can attest that the decline in their thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communication skills is so significant that it interferes with their daily affairs. (Serving water to her father in a shot glass seemed to work, Goyer says.) It can be caused by the weakening of veins, which may disrupt the flow of CSF, and the swelling of white matter, which affects blood flow to certain brain areas. 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. While current data cannot say which causes what, what we have points to a relationship between the two. People with thyroid problems can also experience brain fog and decreased concentration. Other natural treatments include taking probiotics such as Saccromyces Boulardi, and anti-fungals such as oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract or nystatin. Can dementia be cured? Once a senior has decided to move to a senior living community or assisted living, how can they and family members make the move a smooth one? It happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Issac, T. G., Soundarya, S., Christopher, R., & Chandra, S. R. (2015, March). This impaired thinking may also affect verbal skills. Other times they might not notice it. MedLink Neurology. Estrogen actually tends to help prevent UTIs in younger females. 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. 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. A 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology shows brain imaging that detects how anti-cholinergic drugs impact the brain. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all cause symptoms that can be mistaken for early signs of 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 . 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. Often, these include memory loss, where they forget something that was said recently. Infections that are left untreated can spread to the kidneys and beyond, and can be life-threatening. Clarfield, A. M. (2003, October 13). However, this will continue to be a problem unless the underlying liver damage is corrected.[9]. But what if it wasnt dementia? Normal pressure hydrocephalus. The good news is that these cognitive symptoms are largely reversible with the proper thyroid hormone treatment. Among the different infections, 55% had pneumonia and 27% had urinary tract infections. Age, general health and the underlying disease causing brain damage will all affect the pattern of progression. Memory functioning is usually less affected in delirium but the ability to focus and maintain attention to something or . 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. A doctor can then help identify the cause of their delirium and recommend treatment. The cognitive impact of anticholinergics: A clinical review. But, depression is also the most treatable of all mental illnesses. Decreased appetite. The majority (73.3%) were diagnosed with the kind of infection that was already considered sepsis. The classic symptoms of gluten sensitivity show up as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, cramping and nutrient deficiencies. Learn . (2022, May 4). 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). However, these signs and symptoms dont always result in a permanent dementia diagnosis. If someone doesn't get enough of either of these vitamins, they can have symptoms that could be mistaken for dementia. 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. What condition could be mistaken for dementia? Technically, dementia is characterized by something that is chronic or takes a long time to develop. 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! Dementia leads to the death of brain cells (neurons) and loss of brain tissue throughout the brain. Depression and dementia are both common in later years, and each can lead to the other, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Dr. Amanda Cheong spent her formative medical years within the walls of the Philippine General Hospital, a high-volume tertiary institution built to serve the underserved. Anti-anxiety and Sleeping-Pill Medications (Benzodiazepines) Lorazepam, Diazepam, Temazepam, Clonazepam. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. This is because low thyroid hormone levels or hypothyroidism can cause cognitive impairments similar to dementia. 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. They may have problems focusing, holding, and . Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. More than 50 conditions can cause or mimic the symptoms of dementia, with a small percentage of dementias that are reversible. TBI symptoms typically appear at the time of injury, or soon after, but in some cases, they may not develop for days or weeks. Depression, dementia and mental impairment are tied to B12 and also to folate deficiencies, especially in the elderly. This causes a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain. Short-term, in-home care or monitoring may also help the patient get back on their feet. Psychiatric Disorders. Proper diet and treatment of a B12 deficiency may reverse dementia-like symptoms and help prevent them from developing in the future. 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. 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. One of the more cost effective and reliable means of testing your home is with mold growth plates which can be purchased online. Dietary changes will necessary to eliminate carbohydrates, alcohol, and all sugars. Other causes include normal pressure hydrocephalus, neoplasms, metabolic disorders, trauma, medications and infections. Low B12 is actually associated with brain shrinkage, along with diminished brain function. 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. Mice with the infection showed reduced memory and confusion. AgingCare.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; or legal, or financial or any other professional services advice. The most common types of dementia including Alzheimers, vascular, Lewy Body, and frontotemporal are still irreversible and incurable. PsychCentral. There are literally thousands of different molds floating around in the air, the soil, in your home, and even in your foods. Your blog is one of the best Ive read, do well researched and informative. As POA for my dad, I have a huge decision: Surgery or pain management? Is delirium mistaken for dementia? One out of 8 participants were deficient in B12 and one in 7 deficient in folate, with deficiencies increasing with age. 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. When the patient's condition is labeled incorrectly, some terrible things begin to happen. Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. 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.