Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Should Be Made After Considering Other Causes for Memory Problems

Another condition that mimics many of Alzheimer's symptoms and is often overlooked is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).  This can be alleviated by inserting a shunt into the brain cavity to drain excess fluid that causes pressure on the brain, creating symptoms similar to other forms of dementia and can often be diagnosed through a CT-scan followed by a lumbar puncture for confirmation.  We found this out too late for my mother, but perhaps others can benefit from this information.

I'm glad you mentioned that. I knew about it, but blocked it out. Inserting a shunt is what caused my dad's instant dementia. We went through hell. However, the pressure was from fluid building up behind scar tissue from a WWII injury, and likely the scar tissue was a contributing factor to the horrible outcome of the surgery. Generally, a shunt operation is safe and effective.

Carol

I'd take a look at the antidepressant Celexa. My son has had to try many antidepressants, and many make him worse. The fact that she is better when she runs out of meds makes me suspicious of the Celexa. You may want to ask the doctor to wean her from that and wait a bit, and if she still needs an antidepressant, try a different one. Please remember I'm not a doctor. I'm speaking from my own (and my son's) experience, plus some of my friends on antidepressants. Not everyone benefits from them all, and some people find one kind makes them worse. That much I've witnessed in several people.

Good luck with this. It can be very hard to do, even when a person doesn't have dementia. But you have a good clue. I'd run with it.

Carol