5 Health Conditions in Seniors Often Mistaken for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and the most feared disease when it comes to ageing adults. It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, generally affecting seniors, that starts slowly and worsens over time. It slowly deteriorates brain functionality and leads to death. Memory loss, difficulty remembering newly learned information, confusion and changes in the ability to plan or solve problems are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s. However, these symptoms are not always related to this brain disease. Sometimes, they are caused by other health conditions that are curable with early intervention.
There are several conditions that can mimic Alzheimer’s or dementia. This blog post by experienced caregivers of our retirement home elaborates on five health conditions in seniors that are often mistaken for Alzheimer’s. Take a look to find out whether your loved one is really affected by this hated disease or he/she is suffering from some other condition that is treatable.

• Infections

Older adults have a weak immune system which makes them more susceptible to infections such as urinary tract infection, skin infection and pneumonia (lung infection). These infections can affect physical functionality and cognitive abilities of elderly people, thus making them feel exhausted, disoriented and confused all day and night. As a result, it can often be confused with Alzheimer’s. But, if the infections are treated, the person gets back to his/her normal state.

• Depression

Depression is common in older adults, especially retirees. Isolation, the transition from work life to retired life, medical problems and emotional distress can lead to depression in seniors. People suffering from this mental disorder appear tired, slow and develop signs of dementia such as low self-esteem, confidence, appetite and concentration. After noticing these symptoms, caregivers don’t realize that these signs can be because of depression, instead of Alzheimer’s. If diagnosed early, depression is curable with therapy and sometimes medication.

• Dehydration

Adequate fluid intake is necessary to maintain normal bodily functions. Fluid deficiency in blood vessels can cause a cumulative effect over time, thus making the sufferer feel run down and incapable of performing normal daily activities. Ageing adults are at higher risk for dehydration because the body’s mechanism works less as you age. But, these symptoms of dehydration can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s. Seniors should drink the recommended amount of fluids and keep themselves hydrated or else it can negatively affect their cognitive functionality.

• Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes intermittent breathing problems when the person is sleeping. This disorder prevents the body from entering into a deep and restful sleep. The abnormal stops in breathing occur up to 30 times per hour and can’t be recognized by the sufferer. Lack of proper sleep can lead to memory loss, fatigue and can affect the physical functions of the body. These symptoms are similar to Alzheimer’s disease and can be mistaken for it, if not diagnosed properly.

• Medications

Many over the counter medications used to treat multiple health conditions such as thyroid and kidney problems come with significant side effects on the mental and physical health of the patient, thus declining their cognitive functions. The condition worsens if the patient is being treated for several diseases, also known as polypharmacy. Poor vision, spatial awareness and concentration are some of the common symptoms. After the medication is over, the patient slowly recovers.
Hopefully, this blog post has clarified that memory impairment, lack of concentration, tiredness and deteriorating physical and mental health are not always related to Alzheimer’s. They can be signs of depression, dehydration, sleep apnea and infections. Before assuming the worst, you should identify the symptoms, consult a doctor, diagnose properly and look for treatment. To learn more about how to care for ageing adults, contact our assisted living facility in the Niagara region.