Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all produce symptoms that can be mistaken as early signs of dementia, such as communication and memory difficulties and behavioural changes.
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.
People with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are often misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), psychiatric disorders, vascular dementia or Parkinson's disease. The early symptoms and the brain image are often the most helpful tools to reach the right diagnosis.
This and other studies found that between 12% and 23% of patients diagnosed with AD do not have sufficient AD pathology at autopsy to account for the presence of dementia (“misdiagnosed”) [5–9]. The observed misdiagnosis rate may be partly driven by the fact that numerous conditions can mimic symptoms of AD [2].
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the most misdiagnosed form of dementia, taking on average more than 18 months and three doctors to receive a correct diagnosis.
Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all produce symptoms that can be mistaken as early signs of dementia, such as communication and memory difficulties and behavioural changes.
For those reasons and more, patients and caregivers dealing with dementia—in any form and identified by any label—should always consider pursuing a second opinion. It's a good idea to seek a second opinion following any serious medical assessment, whether it's a diagnosis or a recommended course of treatment.
Brain tumors, whether malignant or benign, can resemble dementia, especially with slow-growing tumors. Brain tumors can interference with the brain's functioning and also result in personality changes.
There's no cure for or drug to stop Alzheimer's disease, but it may be possible to hold off dementia — even in people who have a genetic risk, researchers reported Sunday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.
Be aware of the signs of dementia
increasing difficulty with tasks and activities that require concentration and planning. changes in personality and mood. periods of mental confusion. difficulty finding the right words or not being able to understand conversations as easily.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Repeat scans can show how a person's brain changes over time. Evidence of shrinkage may support a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another neurodegenerative dementia but cannot indicate a specific diagnosis.
These may include: seizures, difficulty thinking or speaking, changes in personality, anxiety, depression, disorientation, fatigue, abnormal eye movements, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, weakness on one side of the body, loss of balance, vision changes, memory loss, nausea, generalized pain, trouble ...
Head CT scans may be the most effective way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. But if you prefer another method, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head shows your doctor if you have mild cognitive impairment or brain shrinkage.
Everyone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's is at risk for wandering. Increased confusion and agitation can cause people with the disease to wander and get lost. Wandering can be very dangerous, and if you live alone, there is no one to monitor for changes that may increase your risk.
On average, people with Alzheimer's disease live between three and 11 years after diagnosis, but some survive 20 years or more.
The Alzheimer's Association doesn't recommend these tests because they don't provide an adequate assessment risk. Even getting a brain scan to look for the clumps of protein known as amyloid plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease can't accurately predict a future diagnosis.
The current evidence indicates that while chronic stress may play a role in the development or progression of dementia, it does not necessarily cause dementia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to impaired cognition and memory along with a sensation of tingling and numbness, an outcome of poor myelination. Elevated methylmalonic acid and serum homocysteine levels are markers of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
At a Glance. A new blood testing technique could help researchers detect Alzheimer's disease prior to onset or in those showing early signs of dementia. The approach could be less invasive and costly than current brain imaging and spinal fluid tests, enabling earlier treatments and testing of novel approaches.
Early symptoms: Forgetting important things, particularly newly learned information or important dates. Asking for the same information again and again. Trouble solving basic problems, such as keeping track of bills or following a favorite recipe.
Perform brain scans, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET), to support an Alzheimer's diagnosis or rule out other possible causes for symptoms.