For example, a person with dementia often will not notice that they have problems with memory, but they will not perform well on cognitive tests. The differences may also show up in testing. Therefore, pseudodementia and dementia will appear differently on brain scans, despite causing very similar symptoms. The main identifier between them is that pseudodementia does not cause actual degeneration in the brain, whereas true dementia does. Pseudodementia may appear or feel very similar to dementia, but the two are very different issues. It is important for anyone with depression to work with a mental health specialist over time to find a long-term treatment plan that works. Forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, may help improve the symptoms and treat the underlying cause.Įven in people whose depression responds well to treatment, symptoms such as cognitive impairment may linger. Therapies focusing on mental health are another important aspect of depression treatment. If these medications are successful, the person may notice a significant reduction in their symptoms. Medications for depression may include antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Depression treatment can vary based on the individual and the underlying cause, but it typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

In many cases, this involves treating the depression that has led to symptoms. If a doctor has ruled out other possible causes and suspects that a person has pseudodementia, the treatment they recommend will focus on treating the underlying cause. Treatment for pseudodementia can take time, and different people may respond well to different treatment options. In cases of dementia, imaging scans can give hints as to the underlying causes or show the effects of degeneration in the brain. In many cases, imaging tests are also an important tool in helping diagnose pseudodementia. In other cases, they may check for specific proteins or compounds in the blood. For example, a person with chronic vitamin B-12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid may show some similar symptoms. These tests can help the doctor determine the affected area of the brain and help them move on to additional testing.Ī doctor may also order blood tests to check for signs of underlying conditions or deficiencies. In-office evaluations can help give the doctor an idea about the person’s mental state and where the problem may lie. A doctor will want to rule out dementia and other cognitive impairments before moving on to other possible causes.Ī thorough diagnosis generally requires a number of tests. It is also entirely possible for a person to have true dementia and depression at the same time.įor this reason, diagnosing pseudodementia can take time. These changes can vary greatly, and it may be difficult to tell the difference between aging-related changes and early signs of depression or dementia.Īnother difficulty in diagnosing pseudodementia is that the symptoms of depression and many progressive neurological conditions often overlap in older adults. In fact, many doctors do not agree with using the term pseudodementia, seeing it as more of a description of symptoms rather than a diagnosis itself.īecause of this, doctors will be very careful to completely eliminate other potential causes before making a diagnosis.Īs the symptoms of pseudodementia typically occur in older adults, there are some challenges associated with properly diagnosing the condition.įor instance, aging itself causes general changes in cognition and brain function. Pseudodementia and dementia can be difficult to differentiate. Some hypothesize that mood-related conditions such as depression may cause these cognitive changes in the aging brain. The condition generally occurs in people as they age. a depressed mood that lasts for weeks at a time.However, because pseudodementia often has a link to depression, the person may also have symptoms that include: Therefore, a doctor may diagnose and treat these people as though they have dementia. These symptoms are very common in people with dementia. The main symptoms of pseudodementia include: Some people call the condition depressive pseudodementia, as the symptoms often stem from mood-related conditions such as depression. Pseudodementia is a condition that appears similar to dementia but does not have its root in neurological degeneration. Share on Pinterest A doctor may recommend imaging tests to help diagnose pseudodementia.

Self induced amnesia