Pseudodementia

From Ganfyd

Pseudodementia is best thought of as cognitive impairment manifesting like Dementia but treatable. In practice it usually refers to depression associated chronic cognitive impairment in practice, but it encompasses the differential diagnosis of any potentially reversible presentation of dementia.

1. Depression
   • This is the most important differential diagnosis in the elderly as it depends upon clinical acumen alone to be considered. Because depression can co-exist with dementia from any cause, many consider a trial of an antidepressant without anti-cholinergic properties as part of their standard management of dementia.

Is this patient depressed

1. Hypothyroidism
2. Vitamin deficiency
3. Encephalitis
4. Frontal lobe tumour