Did your elderly loved one get diagnosed with dementia? If so, you may be wondering if that is really what is going on? Sometimes, elderly people are misdiagnosed. There might be another health condition that is mimicking the symptoms of dementia. Learning about these conditions can help you to stand up for your elderly loved one if you don’t believe they have dementia.
Thyroid Disease
One of the conditions that is commonly mistaken as dementia is thyroid disease. When elderly people have this disease, they may experience:
- Anxiety
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Forgetfulness
Millions of adults have this condition. If your elderly loved one has the symptoms mentioned here, you or a 24-hour home care provider should take them to a doctor’s appointment. The doctor can check for thyroid disease with blood tests. If the disease is confirmed, medications can help to treat it. If the medications ease the symptoms, your elderly loved one may not have dementia.
Urinary Tract Infections
Your elderly loved one might have a urinary tract infection. There are many symptoms of a UTI that might mimic dementia. Some of these symptoms might include:
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Burning when peeing
- Painful urination
If you or one of the 24-hour home care providers suspect your loved one has a UTI, get them a doctor’s appointment. If a UTI is diagnosed, antibiotics and fluids can be given. Within a week or so, the symptoms should disappear.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Everyone knows they should get enough vitamins every day. However, did you know that there are symptoms of vitamin deficiencies that can mimic dementia. Some of these symptoms include:
- Forgetfulness
- Irritability
- Confusion
If your elderly loved one has these symptoms, you should have their doctor check for vitamin deficiencies. Sometimes, it can be as easy as reminding your elderly loved one to get enough vitamins in their diet. If their doctor recommends vitamin supplements, you or one of the senior care providers can remind them to take them.
Conclusion
These are some of the conditions that are commonly mistaken as dementia. If your elderly loved one was given a dementia diagnosis, but you aren’t quite sure, don’t hesitate to have their doctor run some other tests. Your elderly loved one could have a completely treatable condition.
If those tests come back negative and your elderly loved one does, in fact, have dementia, you and home care providers can work together to care for them.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering 24-Hour Home Care in South Hampton, NY please contact the caring staff at Karing Hearts Agency Corp. today. (631)366-KARE(5273)
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