Last week I wrote about the importance of getting a diagnosis if you or a loved one is having significant issues with memory. This week I want to add “fuel to that fire”, again stressing the importance of a diagnosis for a variety of diagnoses. It is important not to always assume that memory issues are caused by “old age” or stress. Significant memory issues are, a majority of the time, caused by neurological issues, most often dementia. However, there are plenty of other health issues that mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Hence – getting a diagnosis is absolutely imperative even if only to rule out reversible causes (though there are certainly many other reasons to get a diagnosis, too).
First of all, there are medication side effects which can cause confusion, memory loss and personality changes. These medications include but are not limited to Benadryl, sleeping pills, Aleve, Darvon, Valium, Xanax, Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Lipitor, Detrol, Ditropan, Zantac, some blood pressure and heart drugs, Parkinson’s drugs and some stomach drugs.
Other possible causes for confusion and memory issues include:
• Exposure to high levels of iron, lead and copper
• Heavy alcohol consumption for long periods
• Urinary tract infections
• Depression
• Blockages in tiny blood vessels in the brain known as “silent emboli”. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes all raise the risk for such silent emboli as do many common surgical procedures. The damage they cause can’t be reversed but experts say reducing risk factors may prevent further harm.
• Vitamin and hormone deficiencies
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but hopefully it’s enough to spur those with significant memory issues on to be tested. Even if the diagnosis is dementia, it’s important to remember that though there is no cure, there are many treatments that can lead to greater quality of life.
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