People who experience mini strokes very often don’t even realize they’ve had them. These tumors can often be surgically removed.Ī stroke or mini stroke can cause vascular dementia. Others include delirium and confusion.īenign tumors called meningioma can sometimes cause cognitive loss that’s mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease. One of the first symptoms to appear in cases of NPH is an abnormality in the way someone walks. The gradual buildup of brain fluid causes pressure which can damage brain tissue. The resulting confusion and disorientation can mimic the cognitive challenges associated with Alzheimer’s disease.Īlcohol withdrawal syndrome and a sudden withdrawal from anti-anxiety drugs are two common examples. Just as drugs can cause Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, discontinuing the use of some prescriptions can too. Substances that may cause cognitive problems for older adults include: Drugs can build up in the body, causing a toxic reaction that can lead to mental decline. Some of the medications prescribed to seniors can cause dementia-like symptoms simply because the liver and kidneys aren’t as efficient as you age. Or they might be experiencing an adverse reaction to a medication or an interaction between several prescriptions.
Confusion might be a side effect of a prescription drug the senior is taking. That’s because depression can cause forgetfulness, slowness, lack of focus, and disorientation.Įither too much thyroid activity or too little can cause dementia-like symptoms.Ī common culprit in cognitive decline is medications. Older adults who are depressed often think they have Alzheimer’s. Niacin and folic acid deficiencies can also cause dementia, although it’s rare. Similarly, deficiencies in vitamins B1 and B6 can produce Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause a type of anemia characterized by confusion, irritability, and slowness. There are actually over 100 conditions whose symptoms can spark fears of Alzheimer’s disease. Treatable Conditions Easily Mistaken for Alzheimer’s Disease Many of the conditions that mimic Alzheimer’s disease are treatable with early intervention.įrom vitamin deficiencies to the side effects of drugs, there’s a lot that can happen to cause memory loss and confusion. While it’s never good news when symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, and confusion, there is some hope. In fact, there are plenty of conditions that mimic Alzheimer’s-well enough to stump doctors, in some cases.
Not all forms of dementia are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Sharethis
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