When elderly loved ones start to become increasingly forgetful or confused, family members often assume it’s a sign of age-related dementia. While a doctor will be able to determine an appropriate diagnosis, it’s important for families to know there are some very treatable conditions that can mimic dementia. Here are a few conditions that share symptoms with dementia.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
NPH is characterized by a gradual buildup of spinal fluid in the brain. The resulting pressure from this buildup of fluid damages brain tissues.
- Symptoms – Shuffling gait, lack of concentration, memory lapses, frequent urination
- Remedy – Surgery to drain fluid
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
In some cases, a severe UTI can result in memory issues. It’s often difficult to diagnose a UTI in older adults, since they don’t often exhibit the common symptoms of infection (e.g., fever and pain).
- Symptoms – Confusion, agitation, dizziness
- Remedy – Antibiotics
A professional caregiver can monitor your loved one’s health for signs of infections and other conditions. Senior care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Diabetes
Having diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean a senior will display signs of dementia. However, consistently high blood sugar levels can affect blood vessels in the brain, causing memory issues. The extent of cognitive decline depends on how long the diabetes has gone undiagnosed or untreated.
- Symptoms – Confusion, memory lapses, irritability, inattention
- Remedies – Controlling glucose levels, making dietary changes, getting more exercise
Roseville elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Other Conditions
Additional issues that may produce dementia-like symptoms include:
- Decreased thyroid functioning
- Reactions to medications
- Dietary deficiencies
- Bipolar disease
- Depression
- Infections (such as meningitis and encephalitis)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
It’s difficult to determine from visual clues alone if a senior has a treatable condition with symptoms mimicking dementia or a dementia-related condition like Alzheimer’s. The first step to finding a correct diagnosis is to encourage your loved one to see a doctor for a comprehensive evaluation.
If your loved one is ultimately diagnosed with dementia, he or she can still live at home in safety and comfort with the help of a professional caregiver. For dementia care Roseville families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about the high quality of our in-home dementia care services.