When a person is diagnosed with dementia, one of the first questions posed by the individual and the family is, can the memory loss be reversed? The answer can be complicated because professionals must do a thorough diagnosis of the type of dementia and the severity of the disease. Treating any type of dementia begins with proper diagnosis whether it is reversible or not. Around 20 percent of dementia diagnoses are caused by factors that when corrected can reverse the symptoms of dementia. Below are most common types of reversible dementias and their known causes.
- Reactions to Medications
When a drug doesn’t properly metabolize it can begin to build up in the body and have negative side effects like memory impairment. This can also be a caused by two drugs adversely interacting with one another.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
When the body cannot properly absorb Vitamin B, sodium, or calcium, and becomes deficient, memory loss may occur. The same can result when too much sodium or calcium has built up in the body (similar to cause #1). Metabolic and endocrine dysfunctions are often the cause of these specific issues and reactions.
- Infections
A compromised immune system can cause numerous problems that have an array of negative side effects on a person. To fight off infection, the body will often elevate its core temperature. Unfortunately these high fevers can cause memory loss. More serious infections like meningitis and Lyme disease can directly affect the brain and inevitably lead to dementia.
- Stress & Depression
When a person is worried the body releases a chemical called cortisol. This chemical can damage brain cells and reduce memory function. Depression can also cause memory issues, which can lead to deepening depression if not treated. Because the brain is distracted by sadness or the issue causing the depression, it lacks the ability to focus on the details and recall them when necessary.
- Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism causes thiamine deficiency, and memory loss is one of the many problems that can result from this condition.
There are other less common causes for reversible forms of dementia but only a medical professional can give an accurate diagnosis for the cause or causes of memory loss. Although the types of dementia discussed above can often be treated and much of the memory can be regained, it is not always possible for a person’s memory to be fully restored. Don’t ignore changes that take place in the body or in a person’s behavior, they can be signs of a serious issue.
Sources
Dementia Conditions That Are Treatable-Accessed July 22, 2015
https://www.dementia.org/treatable-reversible-forms-of-dementia
What’s Causing Your Memory Loss-Accessed July 22, 2015
http://www.helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm
Feeling of Dementia with Anxiety-Accessed July 22, 2015.
http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/dementia-feelings
