HealthTree Blog

Many people do not know the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. There is not a great deal of difference as most of the symptoms are the same: forgetting things that were told or happen recently, having a problem with numbers (balancing a checkbook or knowing what a measurement is) and becoming lost in familiar surroundings.
Chemotherapy, stroke and blood clots in the brain can often cause dementia symptoms. An MRI can be performed to rule out stroke and blood clots. White spots on the brain that show up on a MRI can be indications of Alzheimer’s Disease. However, before a physician gives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia he will take into consideration if a patient has had chemo.
Vitamin deficiency and malnutrition are other causes for dementia symptoms. An insufficiency of vitamin B-12 has been found to cause dementia symptoms. Blood tests can be performed to determine if there is any deficiency.
Another cause for Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms can be acute or even chronic sinusitis. X-rays of the sinuses are preformed and if this is the case, then the sinus problem is addressed and most of the time the symptoms will subside.
Poor circulation in the arteries that allow flow of blood to the brain will also mimic dementia symptoms. An MRA will show the areas of thickening that is causing the poor circulation problems. Medications that are given to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s are also given to treat dementia caused by chemo, blood clot and poor circulation. These drugs work the same way on dementia as they do on Alzheimer’s.
If after extensive testing is completed and other health problems are either treated or ruled out, a physician may find that a person does indeed have Alzheimer’s. At this time a more aggressive form of treatment is begun.