Masquerading as Dementia

Abstract

When it is not DementiaDistinguishing one type of dementia from another may be difficult without running many tests. However, distinguishing dementia from delirium or some other non-dementia condition presenting similar symptoms as those seen in dementia is crucial since such symptoms may be reversible after treatment. Delirium, for example, can usually be traced to a contributing factor such as medications, brain trauma, alcohol or drug abuse, surgery, infection, and a host of medical illnesses associated with high fever. Fever can cause delirium because high temperature (105°F and over) can interfere with multiple processes involving brain metabolism.Delirium is generally accompanied by confusion, disorientation, memory difficulties, an inability to focus one's attention, and hallucinatory episodes. Delirium can often be quickly differentiated from dementia because it appears suddenly and the person cannot be easily aroused to an alert state. A physician can diagnose delirium with the help of a close relative who can describe the sudden beginnings of this condition.Other conditions that mimic dementia are vitamin B12 deficiency. When vitamin B12 levels are chronically low, memory impairment, agitation, and depression can be easily confused with early signs of Alzheimer's. This error can lead to the patient being prescribed Alzheimer's medication which can complicate or worsen the clinical symptoms. An easy blood test for vitamin B12 can avoid this misdiagnosis, and treatment with daily vitamin B12 supplement generally reverses the mental impairment.