Diseases That Can Be Misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Disease makes up 65% of all dementias, but there are many other diseases that cause dementia which can mistakenly be diagnosed as Alzheimer's. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a dementia specialist is important to assure an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Here are the most common diseases that have been misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's:

1. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): A rare, fatal brain disease caused by infection. Symptoms: failing memory, changes in behavior and lack of muscle coordination. 90% of patients die within 1 year.

2. Multi-infarct Dementia (MID): Also known as vascular dementia. Results from brain damage caused by multiple strokes (infarcts). Symptoms: disorientation, confusion, and behavioral changes.

3. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): A rare disease caused by an obstruction in the flow of spinal fluid. Symptoms: difficulty in walking, memory loss, and incontinence.

4. Picks Disease/Frontotemporal Dementia: a rare brain disease, with personality changes, a decline in function, poor judgment, and disorientation that may precede memory loss. Closely resembles Alzheimer's disease.

5. Parkinson's Disease: Affects control of muscle activity, resulting in tremors, stiffness and speech impediment. In late stages, dementia can occur. Drugs can improve steadiness and control.

6. Lewy Body Disease: Dementia symptoms are initially present, followed by the abnormal movement associated with Parkinson's.

7. Huntington's Disease: A hereditary disorder characterized by irregular movements of the limbs and facial muscles, a decline in thinking ability and personality changes.

8. Depression: A psychiatric condition in which many severely depressed persons also display symptoms of memory loss. Depression can often be reversed with treatment.

You can learn more about Jacqueline and find information about her book at ElderRage.com.