This common condition can easily be confused with dementia, say the experts

This could be an early sign of Alzheimer's - or it could lead to an erroneous diagnosis.


Conditions that imply a cognitive decline, like that of Alzheimer's - a progressive disease which is the most commoncause of dementia- does not just repair; They are increasing. Alzheimer's Disease International reports that more than 55 million peopleworldwide lived with dementia in 2020. This number should double every 20 years, which represents 139 million people with dementia in 2050.

Although there is currently no remedy for dementia, an early diagnosis can lead to interventions that can help slow its progress. That makes captureThe first signs crucial cognitive decline. However, there is a common condition which can easily be confused with dementia and can lead to an erroneous diagnosis. Read the rest to learn what it is - and when doctors say that it is likely to become dementia at the bottom.

Read this then:If you continue to say that, it can be a sign of dementia, say the experts.

Dementia can manifest itself in different ways.

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Symptomsassociated with dementia May include memory loss, confusion and disorientation, according to the Mayo clinic. But the cognitive decline can also manifest itself unexpectedly, including having problemsMoney management and experimentSome food desires.

However, personality changes and mood are better known potential symptoms. "People with dementia often act in a very different way from their" old self ", and these changes can be difficult to manage for family and friends", according to experts from the Weill Institute for Neuroscience. They continue to explain the reasons for theseBehavior changes, writing that: "In dementia, it is generally because the person loses neurons (cells) in certain parts of the brain. The changes in behavior that you see often depend on which part of the brain loses cells."

Depression is another early sign of cognitive decline, they say: "People with dementia often suffer from depression, especially in the moderate stages of the disease when they have a certain awareness of losing their capacities." But depression is a condition with many potential causes, and it is not necessarily a symptom of dementia.

Dementia and depression are often similar.

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According to Mayo Clinic, "the disease and the depression of Alzheimer's diseaseShare many symptoms, it can therefore be difficult - even for doctors - to distinguish disorders. "Completely complicating diagnostics is the fact that people with Alzheimer's disease are often also depressed.

Although there is no simple way to differentiate dementia and depression, Harvard's health listsSome of the differences between the two. The problems of concentration and concentration are more likely to be caused by depression, while dementia can manifest itself withmemory loss. Disorientation andapathy are more likely to occur with Alzheimer's disease, not depression. Another difference is that people suffering from depression often notice and discuss their symptoms with dear beings, while those who suffer from dementia may not seem to be aware of the problems. And depression generally does not affect writing, speech or motor skills.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

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Depression is often not recognized by doctors.

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More than two million Americans over 65 have a certain type of depression, but the condition is often poorly diagnosed. Mental Health America reports that "primary care physicians accurately recognize less than half ofPatients with depression. ""

When the manifestations of depression resemble those of the cognitive decline, it is known as "pseudomension" - and it is not at all dementia. There is also a crucial difference between the two conditions: "The depressive pseudodement hasDementia symptoms But, unlike real dementia, these symptoms can be reversible with the treatment of depression, according to Making Well Health.

A diagnosis of depression requires "An in -depth assessment Medical history of an individual, physical and mental examinations and possibly interviews with family members by a health professional ", advises the association of Alzheimer. In addition," it may be useful to consult a geriatric psychiatrist specializing in recognition, diagnosis and treat depression in the elderly. ""

Some people with depression may be more likely to develop dementia.

older man sitting on a chair and looking sad and confused
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Not only are the symptoms of dementia and depression, but both conditions are also linked to other respects. A study published by the Archives of General Psychiatry reports that "people who have become depressed late in life had a70% increased the risk Dementia, and those who had been depressed since the mature age were 80% risk. ""

The study notes that if certain research has revealed that depression follows - or coincides with - cognitive decline, "most studies and several meta -analyzes have concluded that depression precedes dementia and is associated with a double increase in risk to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. ""

The good news is that there are things you can do to help reduce your risk of depression and dementia. Studies show thatSome activities help reduce the risk of dementia, asGood oral hygiene, meditation, and evendrink tea. Likewise, healthy habits like doing regular exercise, a lot of sleep and eating a nutritional diet canHelp won depression.

Read this then:Your risk of double dementia if you got this, says a new study.


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