Other possible causes of dementia
Rarely, certain conditions cause dementia that is partially or completely reversible. These include:
- A brain tumor
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (an irregular accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain). This type of hydrocephalus usually affects people over 65.
- A head injury that causes hydrocephalus or a subdural hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood underneath the brain's covering
- A thyroid or other metabolic or endocrine disorder
How they're diagnosed and treated: Tumors, hydrocephalus, and subdural hematomas can be identified through a medical history and a brain scan. Thyroid or other endocrine or metabolic disorders can be identified through laboratory tests of the blood and urine. About 1 in 10 dementia cases have an unknown cause.
the frontotemporal dementia information really helped. it fits
That sounds like the best idea I have heard in a long time. I have been thinking about doing exactly that very thing. However, my mom changes so often from one minute to the next that I, frequently, cannot keep up. I am so lost and feel so very alone due to the fact that no one in my family or her close friends really believes or understands. Mom has decline so quickly and I am the only one she knows that is willing and love her enough to put up with her changes. She has a friend that she has been close to since kindergarten, over 70 years. She isn't willing to giive mom the benefit of the doubt and stick with her, not even once a week for lunch. They had a falling out no too very long ago and her friend told her not to call her anymore. Since that point my moms abusive behavior towards me has increased a great deal. My mom is my reason for being here and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for her. Except lie to her doctor. Even her doctor takes our situation very lightly and there are times that I wonder which one of us, (mom or me) is really having the mental problems. Why is it that people just chose not to believe someone who is just basically trying to make moms last times as safe and loving as I possibly can. I seek help from agencies, her doctor, caring.com, and any place that can give me some kind of insight as to what my mom is going through and/or how to help. This is the hardest task that God has ever given me.
In my opinion, when suspecting dementia, from any origin, it seems most important to document the behaviors that are of concern.