CONDITIONS THAT CAN LOOK LIKE DEMENTIA

Heart and lung problems

The brain requires a lot of oxygen to carry out its normal functions.

Conditions such as chronic lung disease or heart problems can prevent the brain from receiving enough oxygen can starve brain cells and lead to the symptoms of delirium that mimic dementia.

Infections

Many infections can cause neurological symptoms, including confusion or delirium, due to fever or other side effects of the body’s fight to overcome the infection.

Meningitis and encephalitis, which are infections of the brain or the membrane that covers it, can cause confusion, impaired judgment, or memory loss.

In rare cases, Lyme disease can cause memory or thinking difficulties.