Monday, August 27, 2012

Detective Work: The False Alzheimer's Diagnosis


More than 100 other conditions, from vitamin and hormone deficiencies to rare brain disorders, can mimic Alzheimer's disease, experts say. Some are readily treatable.

More than 100 other conditions, from vitamin and hormone deficiencies to rare brain disorders, can mimic Alzheimer's disease, experts say. Some are readily treatable.
Alzheimer's symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and personality changes also can be side effects from medication—even commonly used drugs. For example, the entire class of anticholinergic drugs, which includes many antihistamines, antianxiety drugs, muscle relaxants and sleeping pills, block the brain chemical acetylcholine, which sends signals in the nervous system. It is the same chemical that many Alzheimer's medications boost. Cholesterol-reducing statins have also been linked to brain fog in some people.

More than 100 other conditions, from vitamin and hormone deficiencies to rare brain disorders, can mimic Alzheimer's disease, experts say. Some are readily treatable.


Alzheimer's symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and personality changes also can be side effects from medication—even commonly used drugs.

For example, the entire class of anticholinergic drugs, which includes many antihistamines, antianxiety drugs, muscle relaxants and sleeping pills, block the brain chemical acetylcholine, which sends signals in the nervous system. It is the same chemical that many Alzheimer's medications boost. Cholesterol-reducing statins have also been linked to brain fog in some people.

Continue Reading - Detective Work: The False Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Also see -- Is it really Alzheimer's Disease or Something Else?

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