____________________ Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias: Insights for Early Detection and Care Planning
AGE-RELATED VERSUS POTENTIAL ADRD DIFFERENTIALS
Normal Age-Related Memory Issues
Potential ADRD
Occasionally making a bad decision
Making poor judgements and decisions occurs frequently Frequently losing items and being unable to locate them Getting the electricity or water shut off for lack of payment over a period of time
Misplacing or losing things occasionally
Accidentally missing a bill payment
Occasionally lacking the ability to grasp a specific word
Difficulties following or participating in a conversation
Momentarily forgetting the day of the week
Having an inability to track time; being unable to discern day or week or season
Source: [14]
Table 2
CONDITIONS AND EVENTS THAT MAY MIMIC DEMENTIA SYMPTOMS
Condition/Event
Symptom(s)
Polypharmacy
Confusion, memory problems, cognitive impairment
Respiratory infection
Hypoxia (low oxygen levels), causing confusion and cognitive decline
Urinary tract infection
Acute confusion, agitation, hallucinations
Sleep disorder
Daytime sleepiness, memory problems, decreased cognitive function
Dehydration
Confusion, dizziness, cognitive impairment
Normal pressure hydrocephalus Metabolic/endocrine imbalance
Walking difficulties, urinary incontinence, cognitive decline Impaired cognitive function (particularly with thyroid disorders, diabetes)
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12)
Memory loss, cognitive decline
Alcohol use
Cognitive impairment, memory problems Steady decline in overall mental function
Subdural hematoma
Poisoning/toxic exposure (heavy metals, pesticides)
Cognitive impairment
Anoxia
Cognitive impairment, somnolence
Source: Compiled by Author
Table 3
EARLY WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Early warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer disease often manifest subtly and can be easily mistaken for normal aging ( Table 2 ). One of the most common early signs is memory loss, particularly difficulty remembering recently learned information or important dates and events [2]. Individuals may also experience challenges in planning or solving prob- lems, such as difficulty following a familiar recipe or managing monthly bills. Confusion with time or place, such as losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time, is another early indicator. Additionally, people with early Alzheimer disease may have trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, leading to difficulties with reading, driv- ing, judging distance, and determining color or contrast [12]. Other symptoms include new problems with words in speaking or writing, misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from work or
social activities, and changes in mood and personality, such as increased confusion, suspicion, depression, or anxiety [10]. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention, which can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. ADRDs can also present with symptoms like those of medical conditions that are potentially reversible. Recognizing these conditions is crucial, as addressing them can significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life. Table 3 iden- tifies some common conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms. Addressing these conditions through appropriate medical intervention can lead to significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms that mimic dementia, highlighting the importance of thorough medical evaluation in individuals presenting with cognitive decline.
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Book Code: ANCCTX2027
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