Pseudodementia is a set of symptoms that mimic those of dementia, such as problems with speech, memory, or attention. However, it typically has other underlying causes, such as depression.

Pseudodementia appears similar to dementia but does not occur due to neurological degeneration. Some people call the condition depressive pseudodementia, as the symptoms often stem from mood-related conditions such as depression.

Treating any underlying issues contributing to pseudodementia may reduce the symptoms, though long-term treatment and lifestyle changes may give a person the best outlook.

a person having a medical scan to detect pseudodementiaShare on Pinterest
A doctor may recommend imaging tests to help diagnose pseudodementia.

Symptoms of pseudodementia may include changes to or difficulty with:

These symptoms are common in people with dementia. Therefore, a doctor may diagnose and treat individuals with pseudodementia as though they have dementia.

However, because pseudodementia often has links to depression, the person may also haveTrusted Source symptoms of depression, such as:

The condition is most commonTrusted Source in people over the age of 50.

Help is out there

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If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Pseudodementia may appear or feel similar to dementia. The main difference between them is that pseudodementia does notTrusted Source occur due to the physical of neurons (nerve cells in the brain). Meanwhile, neurodegenerative dementia involves the irreversible degeneration of regions of the brain.

Insight and cognitive (thinking) tests can also be different between dementia and pseudodementia. For example, a person with dementia may not notice that they have problems with memory but may not perform well on cognitive tests.

Someone with depression that causes cognitive symptoms may experience the opposite. They may complain of memory problems but perform well on cognitive tests.

Treatment of dementia and pseudodementia may also vary. In depression-related pseudodementia, treating the underlying depression may cause a person’s symptoms to improve significantly.

Similarly, pseudodementia can occur due to anxiety, schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions. Treating these disorders may cause some or all of the symptoms of pseudodementia to improve.

In cases of neurodegenerative dementia, treatment typically focusesTrusted Source on symptom management, as there is currently no cure. Treatment may vary depending on the type of dementia a person has and its severity.

In some cases, pseudodementia can beTrusted Source a predictor of dementia that occurs before neurodegenerative dementia begins to cause symptoms. It can also be a risk factor that may make it more likely for someone to develop neurodegenerative dementia.

Mood-related conditions are potential causes of pseudodementia. According to a 2023 reviewTrusted Source, depression is the most common cause, but other potential causes include:

In adults, depression may causeTrusted Source significant cognitive impairment, which may lead to symptoms relating to pseudodementia, and the risk is higher with advancing age.

The 2023 review’s authors highlight the complex relationship between depression and dementia since both conditions can cause depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.

Because of this, doctors may not consider pseudodementia until they have completely ruled out dementia and other possible causes of these impairments.

Pseudodementia and dementia can beTrusted Source challenging to differentiate. In fact, some doctors do not agree with using the term pseudodementia, seeing it as more of a description of symptoms rather than a diagnosis itself.

Because of this, doctors will be very careful to eliminate other potential causes before making a diagnosis.

Aging increases the risk of many conditions that cause changes in cognition and brain function, including:

It may be challenging for doctors to tell the difference between these aging-related changes and early signs of depression or dementia.

Another difficulty in diagnosing pseudodementia is that the symptoms of depression and many progressive neurological conditions may overlap in older adults.

It is also possible for someone to have neurodegenerative dementia and depression at the same time.

For this reason, diagnosing pseudodementia can take time. A doctor will want to rule out neurodegenerative dementia and other cognitive impairments before moving on to other possible causes.

Diagnostic tests

A thorough diagnosis may requireTrusted Source a conversation about symptoms and various tests. In-office evaluations can help give the doctor an idea about the person’s cognitive abilities and neurological condition.

This evaluation may include testing for:

  • memory
  • visual perception
  • language and speech use
  • problem-solving
  • organization
  • attention
  • reflexes
  • movement and balance

A doctor may also order blood tests to check for signs of underlying conditions or deficiencies, such as a deficiency in folate or vitamin B-12.

Imaging tests may also be an important tool in helping diagnose pseudodementia. In dementia cases, imaging scans can sometimes reveal neurological disorders or effects of brain degeneration.

According to the earlier 2023 reviewTrusted Source, treatment for pseudodementia can take time, and different people may respond well to different treatment options.

If a doctor suspects someone has pseudodementia, they may focus on treating the underlying cause. In many cases, this involves treating depression.

Depression treatment can vary according to the individual and the underlying cause. However, it typically involvesTrusted Source a combination of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

For other people, treating anxiety, PTSD, or schizophrenia may help relieve some pseudodementia symptoms.

It is important for anyone with depression to work with a mental health specialist to find a long-term treatment plan that works.

Pseudodementia symptoms can improve with treatment. The diagnosis takes time, with a team of doctors and therapists. Patients who have pseudodementia need to devote time and consistent dedication to the process. You will also benefit from support from family, friends, doctors, and therapists.

— Heidi Moawad, MD

People need to speak with a doctor if they experience symptoms of dementia or pseudodementia, including changes in or difficulty with memory, attention, or thought processes.

People with pseudodementia may also have symptoms of mood disorders, such as a persistent depressed mood or lack of enjoyment in previously enjoyable activities.

A doctor can diagnose an affected person and recommend appropriate treatment to help them manage their symptoms.

Pseudodementia refers to a set of symptoms that mimic those of dementia, but it does not occur due to neurodegeneration in the brain.

Underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, can cause pseudodementia symptoms.

Treating pseudodementia involves treating any underlying conditions. Working with a mental health specialist in the long term may help prevent recurring symptoms and ensure that the person gets the appropriate treatment.