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Other conditions can look like dementia in the beginning, showing similar symptoms. The good news is that many of these can be treated if caught early. In this article, I’ll share a few of these conditions that are often mistaken for dementia. Learning about them can help you or your loved ones get the right care and treatment.
What Disease Can Be Mistaken for Alzheimer’s or Dementia?
Here are a few diseases that mimic dementia and Alzheimer’s.
1. Infections:
Infections such as UTIs, HIV, COVID-19, Lyme disease, and pneumonia can be the cause of cognitive decline.
Symptoms related to cognition are:
- Confusion
- Struggling with daily tasks
- Brain fog (difficulty speaking)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hallucination in case of UTI’s infection
Treatment:
These infections can be treated with antibiotics, which will help improve cognitive symptoms. In cases of UTI infection, staying hydrated and maintaining hygiene also help in reducing the risk of recurring infection.
2. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
NPH occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, putting pressure on areas that control movement and memory. As a result, it is often mistaken for dementia but can improve with treatment.
Watch out for signs such as;
- Difficulty walking (a slow, shuffling gait)
- Trouble controlling the bladder
- Memory and thinking problems (difficulty in conversation and concentration)
- Compromised thoughts, emotions, and actions
What You Can Do:
- Consult a neurologist for brain imaging tests.
- Surgery to drain the fluid (via a shunt) can relieve symptoms.
- Physical therapy can help improve mobility.
3. Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
A lack of vitamin B12 can affect your nerves and brain, leading to symptoms that closely resemble dementia. People in old age are at higher risk due to changes in diet or the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
What to Watch For:
- Trouble with memory or confusion
- Weakness or fatigue
- Tingling in your hands or feet
What You Can Do:
- Get your B12 levels tested through a simple blood test.
- Supplements or injections can quickly restore balance and improve symptoms.
- Add foods rich in B12, like fish, eggs, and fortified cereals, to your diet.
4. Thyroid Disorders:
Many people with this condition experience symptoms similar to mild dementia. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition where your body is not producing enough thyroid hormones, affecting your body’s metabolism, growth, mood, etc.
What to Watch For:
- Memory problems or brain fog
- Feeling sluggish or tired
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Dry skin and unexplained weight gain
Medications that maintain hormone levels can reverse the symptoms.
5. Medications:
Taking multiple medications increases the risk of drug interactions, which can sometimes affect how your brain functions. Moreover, certain medications, such as antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, steroids, and bladder relaxants, are also known to cause side effects that can mimic dementia symptoms.
If you’re experiencing memory problems or confusion and are unsure whether your medications could be the cause, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
6. Diabetes:
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in your brain, leading to stroke and memory loss. On the other hand, if your blood sugar level is extremely low, your brain does not have enough nutrients to work with, so you will feel confused even about basic tasks.
Good diabetes management means eating right and exercising as advised by your healthcare provider; it can help prevent memory problems from advancing.
7. Vestibular Disorders:
Vestibular disorders are conditions that affect the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance.
Clinical research shows that patients with this disorder often experience symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, 12% of individuals reported limited mobility as a result of these cognitive challenges.
With vestibular disorder, you may feel:
- Dizziness
- Things around you are moving, spinning, and swaying (vertigo).
- Unsteady walk and faltering gait
- Disorientated
8. Delirium:
Delirium occurs when the brain cannot send or receive signals properly. The reason for this is multifold: it can be due to dehydration, certain medications, or drugs.
Delirium shows symptoms of;
- Disorganised thinking and speaking
- Unable to recognize surroundings
- Losing track of time
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Short-term memory loss
Dementia and Delirium are different conditions, even though they both affect thinking. However, delirium mainly affects attention, while dementia mainly affects memory.
Why is Depression Often Mistaken for Dementia?
Depression can look a lot like dementia because it affects your ability to focus and remember. This is also called pseudodementia, and it’s more common in seniors than you might think.
Symptoms:
- Memory lapses and trouble concentrating
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Fatigue or low-energy
- Persistent sadness
- Disturbed sleep cycle
What You Can Do:
- Seek counseling or talk therapy to address the root cause.
- Your doctor might recommend antidepressants to lift your mood.
- Stay active—walking or socializing can have a positive effect on mental health.
How We Can Help:
If your daily life feels overwhelming (struggling with medication, remembering appointments, and other daily activities), It’s okay to ask for help. To make the best decision, you can involve your family. While you may manage on your own, having a helping hand can bring you peace of mind while ensuring safety.
Moreover, our services empower you to live better—not restrict you. We can help you mitigate the risks with our specialized services and qualified caregivers. Reach out to us today!
Final Thoughts:
Mistaking certain conditions for dementia or Alzheimer’s can cause unnecessary worry and stress. It’s better to enhance your understanding of certain health conditions. In this way, you can better care for yourself and get the right care at the right time.
FAQ’s
1. Why do Alzheimer’s patients cry a lot?
This disease affects different parts of the brain. If someone is crying a lot, it may be because the part of the brain that controls emotions is affected. Crying over little things is common, as they might be remembering sad events or feeling worried about their health.
2. Does depression cause memory problems?
Yes, depression can affect memory. When someone is depressed, they may struggle with forgetfulness, have trouble focusing, or feel mentally “foggy.” This is sometimes called “pseudodementia” because it looks like dementia but can improve with the right treatment for depression.
3. What is the cause of poor memory?
Memory issues can be caused by many factors, including stress, head injuries, concussions, poor sleep, and infections in the brain.
4. How are UTIs linked to confusion in seniors?
In older adults, UTIs don’t always show typical symptoms like pain or burning. Instead, they can cause confusion, agitation, or even hallucinations. This happens because the infection triggers a reaction in the body that affects brain function. Treating the UTI usually clears up the confusion quickly.
5. Can thyroid problems be mistaken for dementia?
Yes, thyroid problems, especially an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can mimic dementia. Symptoms like forgetfulness, confusion, and trouble focusing are common to both. The good news is that thyroid-related issues are usually treatable, and symptoms often improve with proper care.
Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
