Question 1

what is the best drug (specific ssri) for pseudo dementia (due to depression) in a otherwise healthy 85 y f ?dose and course?thanks...

Accepted Answer

Evaluation first: This woman needs to see a geriatric psychiatrist regarding questions about "pseudodementia."  without clear evaluation and diagnosis, treatment could go astray.  She also needs a general medical checkup by her primary care physician.  Reversible causes of dementia can be found & treated.  Psychiatrist can implement any needed medications for depression or dementia, monitoring results carefully.

Question 2

if a neurologist has diagnosed someone with pseudo dementia and he is being treated with celexa, (citalopram) when should symptoms  go away?

Accepted Answer

They may not.: Celexa (citalopram) is an anti-depressant, and it may help if the patient has a depression which is masquerading as a dementia, which happens occasionally.  Otherwise Celexa (citalopram) does not really improve memory and thinking.

Question 3

is dementia hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: If there is an illness that runs in your family you should speak to your doctor about it. There are many many types of dementia. Some of them are genetically passed on while others aren't. The most common type of dementia is alzheimers disease and there are 2 forms. The early onset form is highly heritable. Alcoholic dementia is not inherited though a propensity for alcohol dependence can be.

Question 4

can you inherit dementia?

Accepted Answer

Some types yes: Some types of dementia like alzheimer's disease with early onset at ages 40 to 60 have a large genetic component while other types of dementia like alcohol induced  do not.

Question 5

how is dementia diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Clinically: Usually a clinical diagnosis, no blood work and no imaging test.

Question 6

how to know you may have dementia?

Accepted Answer

Memory loss +: Dementia is characterized by profound cognitive impairment including memory and perception of things around you. A neuropsychologist can perform tests which will identify the level of impairment.

Question 7

what kind of condition is dementia?

Accepted Answer

Progressive: Dementia is a progressive illness of the brain effecting one's memory, concentration, and planning (abstract thinking).  Progressive means that the illness gets worse over time and there is no treatment to reverse the illness although some medications may slow the progression.  Early stages are sometimes hard to find. A montreal cognitive assessment may be useful (http://www.Mocatest.Org/).

Question 8

what causes dementia and its symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The brain areas: Each different type of dementia causes damage to different parts of the brain. The symptoms a person has depends on the brain areas affected.

Question 9

what are noncognitive symptoms of dementia?

Accepted Answer

Behavior and dementi: Behavioral disturbances are frequently the most challenging manifestations of dementia and are exhibited in almost all people with dementia. Common behavioral disturbances can be grouped into four categories: mood disorders (e.g., depression, apathy, euphoria); sleep disorders (insomnia, hypersomnia, night-day reversal); psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations); and agitation.

Question 10

so what are the earliest symptoms of dementia?

Accepted Answer

Earliest Symptoms: Short term memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, changes in mood, behavior, or personality, language problems, word-finding difficulties, decreased judgment, loss of initiative, problems keeping track of things, disorientation to time or place, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about a friend or relative, talk with your doctor about your concerns.

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Doctor answers about:

Dementia vs pseudodementia

A member asked:

What is the best drug (specific ssri) for pseudo dementia (due to depression) in a otherwise healthy 85 y f ?dose and course?thanks...

A member asked:

If a neurologist has diagnosed someone with pseudo dementia and he is being treated with celexa, (citalopram) when should symptoms go away?

A member asked:

Is dementia hereditary?

A member asked:

Can you inherit dementia?

A member asked:

How is dementia diagnosed?

A member asked:

How to know you may have dementia?

A member asked:

What kind of condition is dementia?

A member asked:

What causes dementia and its symptoms?

A member asked:

What are noncognitive symptoms of dementia?

A member asked:

So what are the earliest symptoms of dementia?

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