There are situations in which people deal with symptoms that supposedly resemble those of dementia , but in fact this is not dementia at all, but rather medical or mental problems that can be treated until the symptoms disappear completely.

Two such phenomena are pseudodementia and reversible dementia. 

Reversible dementia (Reversible Dementia)

Can be caused by a brain tumor or cerebral hemorrhage, decreased thyroid function, urinary tract infection, vitamin deficiency (e.g. B12), infections, etc. Other conditions can lead to symptoms that resemble cognitive decline, but are actually completely reversible with appropriate medical treatment.

Treatment method:

Regular blood tests can often pinpoint the problem, and your family doctor can offer the necessary medical solution until the symptoms subside. 

Pseudodementia (Pseudo-Dementia – PDEM)

The term refers to a dementia-like condition in which the sufferer suffers from impairments in thinking processes, but while in dementia patients the brain cells gradually die and cause a deterioration in cognitive functions, in these people the brain cells do not die. What causes this pseudodementia is usually associated psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, mania or psychosis.

Beyond emotional symptoms, people with pseudodementia often deal with decreased alertness, impairments in long-term and short-term memory , impairment in executive functions , and language functions (e.g., the ability to understand others, articulate, words that get stuck on the tip of the tongue, etc.).

Unlike dementia patients who are less aware that their functioning has declined and that something is wrong with them, people with pseudodementia are more aware of their condition, it causes them great worry and anxiety, and they deal with it a lot. For example, there are many cases in which they do show a deteriorating memory, but when asked about their "dementia," they remember it well and are able to talk about it in detail.  

People with dementia typically do not perform well on neuropsychological memory tests, while people with pseudodementia tend to do well on memory tests, even if they have memory problems.

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is one measure used to differentiate between the two conditions, and is most useful when combined with the patient's history and current functioning. On this test, people with dementia may exhibit a wider range of emotions and display emotions that are inconsistent with the situation, such as laughing during a somber event, for example.

Treatment method:

Unlike dementia, it has a drug treatment. Treatment with psychiatric medications has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of pseudodementia, and even in partially restoring the person to their previous state. Studies show that, with appropriate treatment, improvement in memory functions is seen. A diagnosis of pseudodementia in particular, and geriatric depression in general, is also a significant risk factor for the development of dementia in the future. 

Treatment overlaps with treatment for depression, and symptoms improve with a comprehensive treatment plan, and in many cases, cognitive function may return. Treatment for pseudodementia may include psychological therapy, medication with antidepressants, or a combination of the two.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and personal therapy are two individual therapies that have been found to be effective in treating depression, and are also helpful in treating pseudodementia. This treatment approach involves exploring and changing patterns of thinking and behavior to improve mood.

Early diagnosis:

Early diagnosis of symptoms related to cognitive decline can save a lot of pain, stress, and years with poor quality of life. Below are more explanations about the importance of early diagnosis for memory problems and cognitive decline.