What Are the Reversible Causes of Dementia?

The term dementia refers to a group of symptoms rather than a specific disease. These symptoms include personality change, impaired language, memory loss and confusion. Sometimes the cause of dementia is reversible.

Medication

• Certain medications can produce symptoms that mimic dementia. This is the most common form of reversible dementia. It is important to have a medical professional review all current medications to determine the exact cause of the dementia.

Nutrition

• Lack of vitamins such as thiamin, B6 and B12, along with severe dehydration, can result in dementia. Laboratory tests can diagnose this condition. Intake of proper fluids and vitamins can help correct this condition.

Poisoning

• Exposure to heavy metals and pesticides can lead to dementia symptoms. These symptoms reverse after treatment is given or exposure has ended.

Drugs/Alcohol

• Severe drug and alcohol abuse is a cause of reversible dementia. Symptoms displayed include those of nutritional deficiencies and poisoning.

Infections/Immune Disorders

• Infections and immune disorders can create reversible dementia. This includes untreated syphilis, meningitis, encephalitis, Lyme disease, leukemia and multiple sclerosis. Once the infection or immune disorder is properly treated, the dementia ends.

Anoxia/Hypoxia

• Anoxia, sometimes called hypoxia, is a condition caused by lack of oxygen to organ tissues. Causes include heart attacks, carbon monoxide poisoning, strangulation, altitude sickness and an excess of anesthesia. Recovery from dementia symptoms depends on the severity of the poisoning.