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.
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.
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 the depression, they might find it easier to think clearly.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Mesa seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
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 Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care 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 a CPAP machine to sleep, they may find their memory and cognitive function return.
Neurosyphilis is a type of brain infection caused by the syphilis bacteria. Not all cases of neurosyphilis dementia are reversible, but in some people, treatment can reduce swelling and inflammation enough to regain their cognitive function.
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 Mesa senior care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. 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. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (480) 699-4899 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.