dementia

[lighthouselady416]

if a family member has some signs of dementia and says things happen that really dont, frets over everything what could it be besides dementia?

[Red_Star]

"Causes of dementia include:

Alzheimer's disease —the most common cause of dementia
Brain damage after multiple small strokes (also called vascular dementia)
Lewy body disease
Alcoholism
AIDS
Multiple sclerosis
Huntington's disease
Parkinson's disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Front-temporal dementia (including Pick's disease)
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Untreated syphilis
Toxic levels of metals, such as aluminum (can sometimes occur in dialysis patients)
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Thiamine deficiency
Thyroid dysfunction

There are no blood tests or exams that can definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Certain types of brain imaging such as a SPECT or a PET scan may aid in a diagnosis. Tests to rule out other causes of dementia and other medical conditions that may mimic dementia include:

Blood tests for syphilis , vitamin B12 , folate , thyroid, liver, and kidney function
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head
PET or SPECT scans—tests that use dyes to measure the activity levels of various areas of the brain (used in some cases)
Lumbar puncture —a test of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lower back; may be done to look for infection or bleeding
Electroencephalogram (EEG) —a test that records the brain's activity by measuring electrical signals from the brain
The doctor will also check to see if you have depression . It can often present like dementia."

Excerpts from the article "Dementia" - Langone Medical Centre

[peppermintlobo]

dementia or alzhemier <can't spell it, can also show the same signs as a reaction to medication, or a different illness that has gone undiagnosed you should talk to that family members doctors. if it is a medication problem it can stop the signs but if it is dementia or alzhiemers then they have medication that can help prolong the person lives and reduce early problems.. but there is no cure at this time.. just don't get angry or overreact.. my grandmother had dementia for the past 7 years.