Is it dementia, or could it be something else?

There are dozens of causes of dementia-like symptoms.

Simple and treatable conditions may advance quickly in elders,

and may cause symptoms that can be confused with dementia, such as:

1. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (a gradual buildup of spinal fluid in the brain).
2. Interactions of medications.
3. Depression or another mental health disorder.
4. Urinary tract infections.
5. Thyroid disease.
6. Vitamin B12 deficiency.
7. Diabetes.
8. Alcohol abuse.
9. Sleep apnea.

For more information, see “8 Treatable Conditions That Mimic Dementia,” AARP Bulletin, April 2014.

At Rosen & Spears, we encourage patients, and advocates for patients, to request that medical providers fully assess and rule out health conditions that may produce dementia-like symptoms.  These conditions often require specific treatment, and resolving that condition may resolve the dementia symptoms, and restore improvement to quality of life.