Is It Dementia or Pseudo-dementia?
Elder Care in Comstock Park MI
When your loved one first starts showing signs of dementia or dementia-related behavior, it can be really scary. There are other conditions that can have some of the same mental and behavioral 
symptoms as dementia, however, one of them being pseudo-dementia. Your loved one’s medical team can help you to sort out what she’s actually facing so that you can make a plan for her future. Here are the basics so that you can help your loved one’s care team find an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia is something that often occurs along with or before Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed, but it can also be a result of other issues, such as injuries, strokes, or other diseases. Dementia isn’t reversible, and it is often painful for friends and loved ones to witness. Your loved one’s medical team can help you learn how to manage the symptoms to keep your loved one as safe and as healthy as possible. Sufferers of dementia often have problems with language, memory, and other brain functions that most of us take for granted. Dementia can start out mild and then grow progressively worse over time.
Causes of Pseudo-dementia
Pseudo-dementia does a very good job of mimicking the symptoms of dementia, hence its name. In pseudo-dementia, patients often have memory issues, cognitive difficulty, and they may experience trouble sleeping. The good news is that while dementia is not reversible, pseudo-dementia is with treatment. The causes of pseudo-dementia are frequently as simple as depression that causes deeper symptoms. Other causes might include hormonal changes or problems, thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, or even infections. Treating the underlying problem reverses the symptoms of pseudo-dementia.
Get Help to Make a Diagnosis
The best way to determine whether your elderly loved one is facing actual dementia or pseudo-dementia. Work with your loved one’s elder care providers to collect as many symptoms as you can and then make an appointment with your loved one’s doctor. He can run tests to determine whether your loved one is facing a new problem altogether or is dealing with something that is quite treatable. Once you have a diagnosis, you can move forward with a treatment plan that is right for your loved one.
Whether it really is dementia or merely pseudo-dementia, it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis.
If you or someone you know needs help with elder care in Comstock Park, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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