Many signs and symptoms of common conditions can mimic those of dementia. Any behavioral change in a loved one can be a symptom of something easily treatable or the start of a memory or mental change. Either one needs to be investigated by a provider. When and why you should be concerned.
Infection
Let's take a urine infection as an example. It's something that most of us, if we are women have dealt with at one time or another. The typical signs and symptoms of a urine infection are a fever, burning or pain on urination, frequency, itching, and smelly pee.
Signs of urine infection in elderly
Older adults don't present with the same signs and symptoms we do. There may be no fever present. There may be a change in urine frequency, new incontinence, or retention, they can not pee. They may be more irritable, or aggressive - either verbally or physically. They may have sleepiness, change in behavior, confusion, and forgetfulness. You see where I'm going with this?
Spiraling Concerns:
Increased frequency can mean an increased risk of falling.
If they have more frequency, they may want to drink less so they don't have to keep making trips to the toilet.
In the case of a urine infection, they should drink more to help flush the bacteria out of their system. Instead, they get dehydrated. Signs of dehydration mimic that of dementia.
If they are drinking less, the bacterial infection crawls further up the urinary tract towards the kidneys. Then there is a risk of not just a kidney infection and kidney failure, but it can quickly lead to a body-wide systemic infection called sepsis. This can all happen very fast.
Dehydration
As I explained earlier, dehydration can mimic dementia symptoms.
Ways to check for dehydration
Pinch Their Skin! Gently of course. On the back of a hand, gently pinch the skin together for a few seconds, let go, and see if the skin bounces back quickly or whether it tents.
Look at their lips - are they dry and cracked?
Dry skin
Dark urine
Behavior changes: Forgetful, irritable, sleepy, slow responses
Aging and pills
As we age, our metabolism slows, and our gut absorbs nutrients more slowly and differently. Our whole body systems and organs just are not as efficient. And with that, a pill that they have been on for years could be doing more harm than good, and in fact, the opposite of what it was supposed to do.
For example, some of the anti-anxiety medications can go from being a calming presence to making them more irritable, forgetful, and confused. The same with many other medications. This is why wellness visits to review medications are important.
So, if you see any changes like the above, it is time to confer with their provider. They can rule out or treat infections, dehydration or anything else that can be going on.
They can also arrange for screening and testing for signs and symptoms of the start of dementia (of which Alzheimer's is just one type.) Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in the long-term quality of life and needs of someone facing dementia and how their family can plan for their care.
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