Diseases that mimic dementia, often called "reversible dementias" or pseudodementia, include depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies (like B12), urinary tract infections (UTIs), sleep disorders (apnea), normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), infections (Lyme, HIV), liver/kidney disease, and side effects from certain medications, all causing confusion, memory issues, and impaired thinking, but often treatable by addressing the underlying condition.
Conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms
Each year, thousands of people are misdiagnosed with dementia. “Delirium (officially called acute toxic metabolic encephalopathy) can mimic many of the same symptoms as a dementia.
While an MRI cannot directly diagnose dementia, it can identify a variety of changes in the brain that are associated with different types of dementia.
Other conditions which may cause or mimic dementia include depression, brain tumors, nutritional deficiencies, head injuries, hydrocephalus, infections (AIDS, meningitis, syphilis), drug reactions and thyroid problems.
And, most importantly, delirium can often be reversed once the cause is found and treated. 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.
The "2-finger test" for dementia involves an examiner showing a hand gesture (like interlocking index and middle fingers) and asking the patient to copy it, testing motor skills, visual memory, and coordination, as difficulties can signal early cognitive decline, but it's a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis, prompting further medical evaluation. Other related tests include finger-tapping and finger-to-nose, looking for hesitation or misjudgment in movement.
Although the early signs vary, common early symptoms of dementia include: memory problems, particularly remembering recent events. increasing confusion.
Dementia brain scans
These scans may also be used to check for evidence of other possible problems that could explain a person's symptoms, such as a stroke or a brain tumour. An MRI scan is recommended to: help confirm a diagnosis of dementia and the type of disease causing the dementia.
You Miss Out on Sleep
You do a few things you know you shouldn't -- we all do. But some of those bad habits can take a toll on your brain. For example, lack of sleep may be a cause of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
a stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke") a low blood sugar level in people with diabetes. a head injury. some types of prescription medicine.
Common changes in behaviour
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.
When a person notices changes in their memory, often their first thought is of dementia. However, there are many “pseudo dementias, ” or conditions that are often mistaken for dementia, including mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Delirium
The symptoms of delirium — confusion, disorientation and memory impairment — look a lot like those of dementia. However, delirium often comes on rapidly and can be reversed with proper treatment, such as stopping a particular medication or treating an infection.
Age. The biggest risk factor for dementia is ageing. This means as a person gets older, their risk of developing dementia increases a lot. For people aged between 65 and 69, around 2 in every 100 people have dementia.
The SAGE test is a short, self-administered evaluation that screens for early signs of memory or thinking problems like dementia. You take it on your own, at home or at your provider's office. It's simple and there's no studying needed. It can catch issues early.
There is no known cure, but early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better quality of life. Stay healthy with a good diet and regular exercise. Stay away from alcohol and other substances that may affect memory, thinking, and behavior.
Our results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.
10 warning signs of dementia
Smell as a gateway to memory
The sense of smell is closely linked with memory, possibly more so than any of our other senses, and declining smell sensitivity can foreshadow dementia.
Physicians use diagnostic tools combined with medical history and other information, including neurological exams, cognitive and functional assessments, brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET) and cerebrospinal fluid or blood tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
Foods containing high levels of antioxidants such as berries and kiwis are effective in helping to prevent and reduce inflammation. Colorful vegetables, dark chocolate and turmeric can also go a long way in protecting the brain from early onset dementia.
Signs of MCI include losing things often, forgetting to go to important events or appointments, and having more trouble coming up with words than other people of the same age. It's common for family and friends to notice these changes.