COGNITIVE ISSUES NOT ALWAYS CAUSED BY DEMENTIA
Don’t be quick to jump to conclusions if a loved one exhibits sudden symptoms of dementia. It might be another condition causing their “brain fog” or strange behavior! Don’t avoid the doctor because of COVID fears – as soon as something seems “off” contact your healthcare provider.
Below are some common health conditions and serious illnesses can cause cognitive changes. Proper diagnosis and treatment can often alleviate the related dementia-like symptoms.
- Thyroid disease: Too little or too much thyroid hormone could cause dementia-like symptoms. A primary care doctor or an endocrinologist can use a simple blood test to measure thyroid levels.
- Diabetes: Too much or too little glucose damages blood vessels in the brain and causes dementia-like symptoms.
- Alcohol abuse: Heavy drinking destroys brain cells in areas that are critical for memory, thinking, decision-making, and balance.
- Vision or hearing problems: When someone can’t see or hear well, their behavior can make it seem like they have dementia.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTI symptoms often show up as a sudden change in behavior. Someone who suddenly can’t remember recent events might have a UTI. It is easily treated with antibiotics.
- Medication side effects: Anticholinergics are commonly used by older adults and can cause dementia-like symptoms in people without previous cognitive issues.
- Head trauma: Some falls could seem minor, but bumps to the head can cause significant cognitive problems.
- Vitamin deficiency: It can cause symptoms similar to dementia, especially a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Heart or lung conditions: When vascular (blood vessel) or lung disease interferes with the delivery of blood or oxygen to the brain, they can cause vascular dementia.
- Liver or kidney disease: Diseases of the kidney or liver can cause toxic metabolic waste to build up in the blood and cause problems with cognitive function.
- Tumors: Brain tumors, malignant or benign, can mimic dementia by interfering with the brain’s functioning and also resulting in personality changes.
- Cancer: Different types of cancer can affect cognitive function by destroying brain tissue, increasing pressure inside the head, or producing chemicals that affect the brain.
Contact Us: If a loved one has been experiencing cognitive challenges or acting strangely, don’t assume it is just old age or that dementia might be the cause, there are many treatable diseases that mimic dementia. Our caregivers are trained to recognize red flags and alert you so you can get your loved one the help they need. Our services include trips to the doctor and other healthcare providers as well as therapists, pharmacies, and test centers such as Quest. Folks still need homecare, fall prevention, and proper nutrition during a pandemic, trust Visiting Angels to safely provide the services you or a loved one need! Call 561-328-7611 for more information.