Dementia is often associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s, with memory loss and cognitive decline gradually worsening over time. However, a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t necessarily mean a person has irreversibly lost his or her memory. There are several types of dementia that may go away once the underlying cause is treated.
1. Anticholinergic Medications
This is a category of drugs used to treat allergies, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, and overactive bladder. Some seniors experience the rare side effect of dementia following the use of anticholinergic drugs. In most cases, the dementia goes away once the person quits using the medication.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when a person’s body doesn’t naturally make enough thyroid hormone, an important hormone that metabolizes energy throughout the body. Seniors with hypothyroidism sometimes find their thoughts move very slowly and their memories are much worse. However, once a person starts taking replacement thyroid hormones, the brain starts working normally again.
3. Depression
When seniors are depressed, they may report a feeling of fogginess that’s so deep it keeps them from thinking logically or doing multistep tasks. Treating depression is a complicated task that may require both medication and therapy, but once seniors take steps to address their depression, they might find it easier to think clearly.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of Edmonton home care service. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
4. Vitamin B Deficiency
A very severe vitamin B deficiency can cause all the typical symptoms of dementia. Both B12 and folate deficiencies may cause dementia. This type of dementia is reversed once a senior is able to return the B12 levels to a more normal number.
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 InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of in-home care Edmonton families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
5. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
This is a type of health condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up and presses against the brain. The result is a brain that cannot function properly, so a person gets dementia. However, draining away the excess fluid should make the dementia go away.
6. Sleep Apnea
Many seniors don’t even realize they have this sleep disorder, but it can impair sleep enough to result in dementia. Once seniors with sleep apnea start using CPAP machines to sleep, they may find their memory and cognitive function return.
7. Neurosyphilis
Neurosyphilis is a type of brain infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Not all cases of neurosyphilis dementia are reversible, but in some people, treatment can reduce swelling and inflammation enough to regain their cognitive function.
8. Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the body, which can cause inflammation and swelling in the brain that make it difficult to think straight, remember things, and perform tasks. Once seniors can get treatment for lupus, the inflammation should fade and they’ll start to have better cognition.
Highly trained caregivers with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Edmonton senior home care providers can reach out to InCasa Home Care Services. 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. Call us at (587) 609-6854 to create a customized in-home care plan.
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