Saturday, October 15, 2016

8 Conditions Often Confused with Alzheimer’s Disease

There are few diseases more devastating than Alzheimer’s disease, a menacing condition that causes the slow deterioration of brain functionality and ends, inevitably, in death. Far too many people have already watched as their loves ones wither away and perish as a result of this hated disease.
However, it’s not the only condition that affects brain functionality. In fact, Harvard researchers point out that more than 50 conditions can cause or mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It’s a potentially dangerous mixup that can be avoided by knowing more about these other conditions, so let’s take a look…

1. Several Infections

A number of different types of infection—most of them painful and annoying but rarely fatal—can be confused with Alzheimer’s disease. This includes urinary tract infections, skin infections, and lung infections like pneumonia. 

The problem is that all of these conditions can reduce physical functionality during the day and night, causing the sufferer to feel overwhelmingly exhausted and groggy. In certain circumstances this can lead observers to believe that the individual is suffering from some kind of mental deficiency or a condition like Alzheimer’s disease.


2. Medications

It’s no mystery that many of today’s most popular medications come with some significant side effects. These medications can affect both our mental and physical well-being in both positive and negative ways. Unfortunately, many medications—and particularly those meant to treat mental disorders, such as depression—often come with serious side effects that can make patients appear tired, both mentally and physically.

According to research from Harvard University, that’s why so many people often suspect that individuals taking powerful medications are suffering from some kind of brain disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why it’s important for close family members to be aware of the medications their loved ones are taking.

3. Dehydration

The key to beating the summer heat—aside from staying inside a place that’s air conditioned—is staying hydrated. Experts typically recommend that we drink more water during the hot summer months to ensure we don’t feel run down and unable to perform our normal daily activities.

That’s why dehydration is so often confused with dementia and disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, according to research from the Alzheimer’s Association. Dehydration can significantly reduce normal body functionality and can also negatively affect cognitive functionality. To prevent confusion, drink lots of water, particularly during the long, hot summer.  (Click to Continue)

Full Article & Source:
8 Conditions Often Confused with Alzheimer’s Disease

4 comments:

B Inberg said...

Important information for all people, especially the elderly who are wrongfully guardianized without mandatory reporting of medications to the court. I can't imagine how many people were found to be incapacitated for all the wrong reasons with no recourse. Very few 'protected persons' are set free from the gudardianship system and those who are set free, are in financial ruins.

Anonymous said...

Advice needed for elderly mom who fell and needed assist while she recovered from a bruised sacrum. Yet she then had a bout with anxiety, paranoia & disorientation and now everybody thinks she needs "help" and can't live alone.

While I confess to being very concerned about her well being, I believe there are ways to address the environmental safety of her home before her return.

Nonetheless, members of our family have taken unnecessary steps like having their name put on her bank accts despite the fact all one needs is to set up all her bills as automatic drafts and automatic deposits into savings or other special accts.

How can she take back her power from her well meaning family member?

NASGA said...

Anonymous: Did the family members put their names on her bank accounts, etc. using the authority of a power of attorney? It's important to know what vehicle was used to achieve the renaming of her accounts.

HouseCall MD said...
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