It’s Not Always Dementia: Top 5 Misdiagnoses

If you’ve been forgetting appointments or struggling to remember words or details — or someone you love has these symptoms — you might be concerned that these are symptoms of long-term memory loss, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that the number of Americans living with the disease could rise from 7 million to nearly 13 million by 2050. However, other types of dementia or disorders are most often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s because the symptoms are so similar.

Often, people who experience subtle short-term memory changes and are easily confused don’t have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Many treatable conditions include symptoms similar to these diseases, and without the right diagnostic tools or training, some doctors have a hard time telling them apart. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with remembering details, it’s important to see a physician because they can help determine what is happening and a path forward. To help you get started, we’ve put together the following misconceptions about dementia and Alzheimer’s and discuss what disorders are most often misdiagnosed as dementia. Plus, we detail medical advancements for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

5 Common Misconceptions About Dementia

Myth 1: People 70 years of age and older are the only ones who develop Alzheimer’s.

One of the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is age, but it’s not only people 70 years of age and older who develop Alzheimer’s. Symptoms could start appearing at any age. When someone develops Alzheimer’s disease at a young age, it’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s, which is extremely rare.

Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented.

There isn’t a way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but you can take steps to help reduce your risk of developing it. Some factors, such as genetics, can’t be controlled, but others, such as leading a healthy lifestyle, can. 

Some ways to help reduce your risk include:

• Staying physically active by walking, bicycling, practicing yoga, swimming or performing other activities that you enjoy.

• Staying mentally sharp by reading or putting together puzzles.

• Maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, avocados, fish, beans and whole grains.

• Getting between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Myth 3: Memory loss naturally occurs with aging.

It’s natural to occasionally experience memory problems as we age. However, memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s occurs much more frequently. For example, someone may forget the road they take to get back home, experience trouble with a familiar recipe or find it difficult to complete daily tasks.

Myth 4: Someone will develop Alzheimer’s because their parent has it.

The risk of developing Alzheimer’s is greater if a parent has it, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the child will also develop Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a complex disease, and scientists are still uncertain what causes it in many people. However, research suggests several factors, such as lifestyle and environmental factors, can influence a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Myth 5: Alzheimer’s is the same thing as dementia.

The terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” are often used interchangeably. However, dementia refers to conditions that lead to impaired thinking, reasoning, memory and behavior, and Alzheimer’s is one type of dementia. Other forms of dementia include frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and limbic-predominant amnestic neurodegenerative syndrome — all of which can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s because they have similar symptoms.

What Disorders Are Most Often Misdiagnosed as Dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Here are the top five — often treatable — disorders that are most often misdiagnosed as dementia.

1. Other Neurocognitive Disorders

Although Alzheimer's disease accounts for the majority of neurocognitive disorder cases, there are other types of dementia and medical conditions, such as vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease, that similarly affect mental functions. For example, if someone has a small stroke or a benign brain growth, they might exhibit signs of cognitive impairment.

2. Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage between normal age-related memory loss and the more serious decline of dementia. Although someone with MCI might experience problems with memory, the changes don’t typically disrupt daily life or inhibit independent function. However, MCI can eventually progress to dementia, so it’s important to see a neurologist or a geriatrician.

3. Mood Disorders

Having a mood disorder, such as major depression or bipolar disorder, can make it difficult to focus, think clearly or make decisions. Depending on someone’s emotional and mental state, memory loss can worsen. However, according to research, when mood disorders are treated with therapy or medication, cognitive impairment can improve.

4. Delirium

Delirium can be caused by chronic illness, certain medications, infection or surgery. The symptoms of delirium — confusion, disorientation and memory impairment — look a lot like those of dementia. However, delirium often comes on rapidly and can be reversed with proper treatment, such as stopping a particular medication or treating an infection.

5. Alcohol and Other Substances

Drinking too much alcohol over a long period can be directly or indirectly responsible for memory loss. For example, heavy drinking can not only destroy brain cells and worsen memory problems but can also lead to injury and increase the risk of other health problems that may impair cognitive function, such as liver disease. 

Healthy adults over 65 who are not taking medications should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can also interfere with cognition — and side effects can mimic dementia. Older bodies are less efficient than younger bodies at reducing toxic drug effects. Older adults are also more likely to be taking multiple medications at a time, and interactions can cause side effects, such as confusion. It’s important to talk with all of your doctors and your pharmacist about the medications you’re taking.

Medical Advancements and Future Outlook

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest nonprofit contributor to Alzheimer’s research and funds independent researchers around the world through the Alzheimer’s Association International Research Grant Program.

Without clinical trials, new treatments, prevention methods and even cures can’t be developed. Clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are ongoing, but new treatments have been slow to develop and emerge.

In clinical trials, some therapies have slowed the decline in functioning and thinking in those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Additional research is being performed to evaluate how effective the therapies may be for those who are at risk of developing dementia, including people with an immediate family member who has the disease.

How To Support Those Living With Alzheimer’s or Another Form of Dementia

If someone you love is experiencing a decline in cognitive abilities or receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it’s important to ensure they have the support they require and a plan for care they may need in the future. 

Part of supporting those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is understanding what they’re experiencing so you can engage with them more successfully. As dementia progresses, the brain changes, which means the ability to communicate also changes. Some general tips to communicate and support your loved one include:

• Slow down the conversation to give your loved one time to process what you’ve said.

• Speak clearly and enunciate.

• Be patient and give your loved one time to respond.

• Offer comfort when needed to show your loved one that you’re there for them.

• Create an environment that supports meaningful conversation by turning off background noise, such as a TV or music, and setting newspapers or magazines aside.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can progress throughout the stages (early, middle and late), which means communication and support can also look different. This can take a few different forms, including in-home care with a caregiver or alternative housing arrangements, such as a Life Plan Community (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC). 

These communities provide peace of mind and support for those who have received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and their family members. To learn more about memory support, we recommend exploring our free resource, FAQs About Memory Support for Dementia.