Causes

"It is very important to seek early diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders," says Daniel Murman, M.D., neurologist with The Nebraska Medical Center, who specializes in geriatric neurology. "Ignoring the symptoms can compound your problems."

There are a variety of other medical problems that can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer', says Dr. Murman. For instance, approximately 5 to 10 percent of people show memory loss, confusion and other signs of dementia due to a potentially reversible illness such as metabolic problems, depression, drug intoxication, thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies. The earlier the diagnosis, generally the easier it is to treat one of these conditions.

Dementia caused by Alzheimer's, stroke, or Lewy bodies cannot be cured. However, medications can reduce and slow the progression of mental and functional decline. In addition, appropriate evaluation and diagnosis can help patients and families better understand the disease, how it progresses and how to access proper medical and community support services.

Other aspects of your health should also be managed well to minimize their impact on symptoms of dementia, notes Dr. Murman. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension can lead to additional complications for individuals affected by dementia.