Conditions That Mimic Dementia

1. 

   "More than 100 disorders -- from the side effects of medication to urinary tract infections -- can trigger dementia-like symptoms." P. Murali Doraiswamy, M.D., Duke University
   
   

   That was the reason I arranged for Dwane to be evaluated at Mayo Clinic -- because I knew that other things could be the basis for cognitive deterioration.  The above doctor recommends that if you have concerns about yourself or another loved one, see a neurologist for a complete physical.  Another thing I personally recommend is a cognitive evaluation by a neuropsychologist -- that was what gave us the results that made me realize that some permanent damage was being done to some brain functions.  It actually did not help us to see a neurologist prior to going to Mayo Clinic.  The neurologist said he could not tell if anything was wrong, and there was nothing to be done if we were dealing with dementia.  He was wrong on both counts.  That is why I recommend that you go to a place, like Mayo, which uses the team approach.  It was actually the young psychiatrist in an interview of me who first recognized that Dwane has Lewy Bodies Dementia.  

   
   

   Other conditions that can mimic dementia and need to be ruled out are thyroid disorders, heavy metal poisoning, depression, urinary tract infections (or, I would say -- any systemic infection), vitamin B-12 deficiency, diabetes, alcohol dependency or addiction, and medication side effects.