Conditions That Are Not Dementia

Age-related cognitive decline. As people age, they usually experience slower information processing and mild memory impairment. In addition, their brains frequently decrease in volume and some nerve cells, or neurons, are lost. These changes, called age-related cognitive decline, are normal and are not considered signs of dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment. Some people develop cognitive and memory problems that are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia but are more pronounced than the cognitive changes associated with normal aging. This condition is called mild cognitive impairment . Although many patients with this condition later develop dementia, some do not. Many researchers are studying mild cognitive impairment to find ways to treat it or prevent it from progressing to dementia.

Depression. People with depression are frequently passive or unresponsive, and they may appear slow, confused, or forgetful. Other emotional problems can also cause symptoms that sometimes mimic dementia.

Delirium. Delirium is characterized by confusion and rapidly altering mental states. The person may also be disoriented, drowsy, or incoherent, and may exhibit personality changes. Delirium is usually caused by a treatable physical or psychiatric illness, such as poisoning or infections. Patients with delirium often, though not always, make a full recovery after their underlying illness is treated.

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More on Dementia

What is Dementia

Types of Dementia

Secondary Dementia

Dementia in Children

Causes of Dementia

Other Causes of Dementia

Conditions That Are Not Dementia

Risk Factors for Dementia

Dementia Diagnosis

Treatment for Dementia

Dementia Prevention

Care For Dementia Patient

Research On Dementia

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Sources:

National Institutes of Health
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
www.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-4000
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
www.ninds.nih.gov
Tel: 800-352-9424
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National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301-443-4513
Fax: 301-443-4279
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Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center
P.O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov
Tel: 800-438-4380
Fax: 301-495-3334
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The Alzheimer's Research Trust of U.K.
The Stables
Station Road
Great Shelford
Cambridge
CB22 5LR - UK
www.alzheimers-research.org.uk
Tel: 01223 843899
Fax: 01223 843325