A dementia diagnosis brings many concerns for seniors and their families. Many people jump to the conclusion that the condition is permanent, but certain types of dementia are reversible. This easy mnemonic outlines the reversible causes of dementia to help you remember important points to cover with your senior loved one’s physician.
1. Drug Side Effects
Many different medications list dementia symptoms as potential side effects. Medications used to treat overactive bladder, COPD, and Parkinson’s disease can all cause dementia symptoms. Take a list of your loved one’s medications to his or her doctor appointments to see if any might be contributing to the condition.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Anchorage seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
2. Emotional & Psychiatric Disorders
Seniors with depression, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety may experience temporary dementia, which often occurs when an emotional disorder impacts sleep. Hallucinations, confusion, and mood swings are potential symptoms you may witness with this type of dementia.
3. Metabolic Disorders
These conditions happen when the body is unable to process food properly to generate energy and promote cellular turnover. Thyroid disorders often contribute to this condition in older adults, especially women. Your loved one may experience foggy thinking and slowed responses when a metabolic disorder is an underlying cause.
4. Ear & Eye Issues
Most people rely on their hearing and vision to help them understand what’s happening. When seniors have vision or hearing issues, they may perceive things in their environments differently. Tinnitus could be misinterpreted as hearing music that isn’t there, or your loved one may not be able to tell the difference between a glass door and one that’s open.
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 Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
5. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Cerebrospinal fluid can build up in the brain. This buildup occurs most often in seniors over the age of 65, and the increased fluid puts pressure on the parts of the brain that affect memory and understanding. Once the fluid is drained, people with this condition usually find their dementia symptoms go away.
6. Tumors & Lesions in the Brain
A tumor or brain lesion impacts the abilities associated with the area of the brain in which it’s located. In some cases, these tumors or lesions are removable or able to heal on their own. For instance, since strokes are a leading cause of brain lesions, stroke survivors sometimes experience temporary dementia.
7. Infections
Being ill places tremendous strain on a senior’s body. In addition to the common symptoms of illness, such as fever, your loved one may exhibit symptoms such as confusion and delirium. This is often because the brain is busy directing its resources to helping the body heal. STDs and urinary tract infections are common illnesses that can cause reversible dementia in seniors.
8. Anemia
Older adults also have difficulty getting proper nutrition, which could be caused by digestive disorders but can also happen if seniors are unable to prepare meals on their own. Seniors with anemia-related dementia are often treated with vitamin and mineral supplements, and the doctor may recommend having someone help your loved one prepare meals.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Anchorage in-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (907) 770-0907.