Treatment focuses on managing the disorder and controlling symptoms.

Medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease have not been shown to work for this type of dementia. However, sometimes these drugs are used anyway, when other treatments are unable to control the underlying problems.

See: Dementia - home care for information about taking care of a loved one with dementia.

The outcome varies depending on the cause of the dementia and the amount of damage to the brain.

Complications may include the following:

• Loss of ability to function or care for self
• Loss of ability to interact
• Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections
• Pressure sores
• Symptoms of the underlying problem (such as loss of sensation due to a nerve injury in vitamin B12 deficiency)

Call for an appointment if symptoms get worse or continue. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if there is a sudden change in mental status or a life-threatening emergency.

Images

Central nervous system

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Dementia due to metabolic causes Prevention

Review Date: 03/09/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)