Some experts thus estimate that as many as ten percent of those diagnosed with dementia actually suffer from depression that, if treated, is reversible. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, you should seek help. Dementias Dementia, which is characterized by confusion, memory loss, and disorientation, is not an inevitable part of growing old. In fact, only 15 percent of older Americans suffer from this condition. Of that number, an estimated 60 percent suffer from Alzheimer's disease, a progressive mental deterioration for which no cause or cure has been found.
Deterioration is in steps rather than in a steady progression.
Parkinson's disease, which generally begins with involuntary and small tremors or problems with voluntary movements. Dementia may occur when the disease is severe or very advanced. Huntington's disease, a genetic disorder that begins in middle age and has symptoms of changed personality, mental decline, psychosis and movement disturbance. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, thought to be caused by a viral infection leading to rapid and progressive dementia. Pseudodementias Elderly people may become forgetful, disoriented, or confused because they have developed a quickly reversible condition that is totally unrelated to dementia.