A Mnemonic about the Reversible Causes of Dementia

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When people hear the term “dementia,” they have a tendency to think the worst. While Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, is incurable, there are other causes of dementia that are considered reversible under the right circumstances. You and your senior loved one can remember these reversible causes of dementia by using the word “dementia” as a mnemonic device. 

D: Drugs

Certain medications produce symptoms that result in temporary dementia-like symptoms. The drugs that most commonly affect cognitive abilities are ones used to treat the following conditions. 

E: Emotional Disorders

Older adults have a higher risk of depression than younger people. For this reason, symptoms related to emotional issues are sometimes mistaken as signs of a serious dementia-related condition. In many instances, confusion and other dementia-like symptoms can be reversed with therapy and other appropriate mental health treatments. 

Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Green Valley families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. 

M: Metabolic Conditions

Metabolism refers to the conversion of food into energy. This process is sometimes disrupted by certain metabolic disorders. When this happens in older adults, the ability to think clearly may be affected. Senior women are more likely to have these types of issues because they have higher rates of undiagnosed thyroid conditions. 

E: Ear/Eye Problems

Hearing and vision impairment can contribute to misunderstandings or inaccurate perceptions that are assumed to be dementia-related symptoms. Some seniors with ear or eye problems experience hallucinations or exhibit erratic behavior because their brains are trying to fill in the blanks to make up for what they’re unable to hear or see. Because hearing and vision changes can be gradual, it’s important for seniors to get regular checkups. 

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care Green Valley, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

N: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a type of fluid located around the brain stem and upper spine. NPH is more common in individuals 60 and older. It causes cavities in the brain (ventricles) filled with CSF to become longer or wider. The added pressure on certain parts of the brain may contribute to issues with memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. Symptoms are often reversible once the excess fluid is drained. 

T: Tumors & Lesions

Any abnormal growth that places extra pressure on the brain can cause dementia-like symptoms. Whether cognitive impairment related to a tumor or lesion can be reversed will depend on several factors, such as the nature of the growth and whether it can be removed in a way that doesn’t damage sensitive parts of the brain. 

I: Infections

Serious infections, such as pneumonia and chronic urinary tract infections, place a lot of strain on the body. When this happens in seniors, there may be noticeable issues with confusion or personality changes similar to those typically associated with dementia. 

A: Anemia

Anemic older adults don’t have enough oxygen circulating in their bloodstreams, which can sometimes affect the brain in a way that results in confusion or “mental fog.” Symptoms suggesting your loved one may have temporary dementia related to anemia include: 

  • Unusual fatigue and loss of energy
  • Difficulty sleeping—which may also contribute to increased confusion
  • Shortness of breath or headaches, especially during periods of activity

Highly trained caregivers with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Green Valley families can rely on Embrace In-Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (520) 625-2050 today. 

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