Dementia is a serious mental health condition that primarily affects people aged 65 years and over, and according to data from the World Health Organization (WHOThere are more than 55 million people suffering from dementia globally, with an increase of 10 million new cases each year.
Dementia itself is not a disease. It is a term used to define a mental condition characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s disease are types of dementia, a chronic condition that gets worse over time and there is no way to prevent them.
Symptoms of dementia include deterioration in cognitive function, memory loss, learning problems, language issues, and more. However, not all chronic forgetfulness is caused by dementia. Some underlying health conditions also lead to serious memory problems and mimic dementia symptoms. These signs disappear once the condition is treated, according to the report. Posted by The Times of India.
Here are 5 health conditions whose symptoms are similar to dementia:
gland problems
Underactive or hyperthyroidism can accompany mental symptoms. In an underactive thyroid, a person may experience temporary loss of memory, concentration, and mood swings, while hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia and anxiety, and other conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome may also cause An underactive pituitary gland, liver and kidney disease can cause cognitive performance problems.
gland problems
Medication side effects
Taking certain medications for a long time can cause many side effects that may be similar to symptoms of dementia. These types of medications are generally used to treat conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, depression, bowel problems and respiratory problems.
Older adults are especially at risk for adverse drug reactions. This is because they are more likely to take the same drug for a long time. As we age, our metabolism changes and we are more susceptible to the side effects of medications.
brain tumors
Tumors
Depending on the location of the tumor in the brain, brain tumors, whether malignant or benign, can interfere with cognitive function and may lead to symptoms similar to dementia. Once the tumor is surgically removed, symptoms disappear.
head injury
Head injuries from falls or frequent small accidents can cause dementia-like symptoms. A person may have memory problems, mental slowness, difficulty in problem-solving, poor concentration, and lethargy. This is caused by post-traumatic hemorrhage within the skull that leads to blood clotting.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps maintain the health of our nerve cells and prevent anemia, and its deficiency may cause symptoms such as depression, poor vision, forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which can be considered symptoms of dementia, and because vitamin B12 is abundant in animal products such as Eggs, meat and fish, most vegetarians are prone to this nutritional deficiency.