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How To Confirm The Diagnosis Of Dementia?
A couple months ago, my friend had what seemed to be the flu... she s experiencing memory loss that s progressing rapidly. She s also extremely fatigued. After a visit with the doctor, she was diagnosed with Dementia. We feel that this is incorrect... she s only 48 years old and this came on suddenly. Isn t Dementia a slow progression, coming on and developing gradually? This occurred within a few months at most. I ve watched the program Monsters Inside Me ... Is there a possibility that a parasite could be attacking her brain cells? If so, what tests need to be conducted? Time is of the essence because her condition is deteriorating. We need a proper diagnosis and a quick response. Thank you!
Mon, 9 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Your description is consistent with some form of viral encephalitide and not with a diagnosis of senile dementia (if that is what the doctor suggested). However, my recommendation (if you believe the doctor to be in error) is to get your friend to an academic or teaching hospital to be seen by the neurology service (ER visit if necessary) and tested thoroughly with blood, CSF, urine, and imaging studies to make the diagnosis. I wouldn't worry so much about parasites as much as a viral encephalitide or possibly prion disease but this requires more history and examination resources than what you'll find online.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Your description is consistent with some form of viral encephalitide and not with a diagnosis of senile dementia (if that is what the doctor suggested). However, my recommendation (if you believe the doctor to be in error) is to get your friend to an academic or teaching hospital to be seen by the neurology service (ER visit if necessary) and tested thoroughly with blood, CSF, urine, and imaging studies to make the diagnosis. I wouldn't worry so much about parasites as much as a viral encephalitide or possibly prion disease but this requires more history and examination resources than what you'll find online.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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