As we care for our parents and the generation of older adults, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. However, it’s just as vital to know what else could show similar symptoms to memory loss. Older adults are more susceptible to medical conditions and illnesses that can cause dementia-like symptoms. Surprisingly, some of these conditions are quite common.
Rob Low, Community Relations Director at Clarity Pointe™ Pensacola, a memory care assisted living community in Pensacola, Florida, says, “Many health conditions may act like the cognitive difficulties associated with dementia. Discerning individuals or their caretakers may easily mistake symptoms of another condition for the onset of dementia. However, only until a doctor has done an examination can you be certain of the symptoms’ cause.”