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Failing Memory May Not Be Alzheimers

Tue, 07/11/2000 - 11:00pm — Karen Stevenson
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Danish scientists reported at the World Alzheimer Congress 2000 that failing memory may be a symptom of a treatable and reversible condition and not always a sign of Alzheimer?s disease. Gunhild Waldemar, M.D., and her colleagues examined 785 patients with memory problems, and found that only 43% were diagnosed with Alzheimer?s disease or some other form of dementia. 6% of those they examined had Alzheimers, but their memory problems were a result not of Alzheimers disease but of some treatable and reversable medical condition. Overall, they found that 35% of the patients they saw had a potentially treatable concomitant condition that could influence cognitive function, most commonly depression, high blood pressure and thyroid disease. Researchers concluded that it is important for patients with memory problems to have them properly assessed and treated, and not to assume that they indicate a diagnosis of Alzheimers.

Danish scientists reported at the World Alzheimer Congress 2000 that failing memory may be a symptom of a treatable and reversible condition and not always a sign of Alzheimer?s disease. Gunhild Waldemar, M.D., and her colleagues examined 785 patients with memory problems, and found that only 43% were diagnosed with Alzheimer?s disease or some other form of dementia. 6% of those they examined had Alzheimers, but their memory problems were a result not of Alzheimers disease but of some treatable and reversable medical condition. Overall, they found that 35% of the patients they saw had a potentially treatable concomitant condition that could influence cognitive function, most commonly depression, high blood pressure and thyroid disease. Researchers concluded that it is important for patients with memory problems to have them properly assessed and treated, and not to assume that they indicate a diagnosis of Alzheimers.