This was in my local paper, a doctor's column. I thought it was interesting, informative.
Dear Dr. Donohue: My wife, 78, has had headaches, some memory problems and confusion. A brain scan showed hydrocephalus. We were referred to a neurosurgeon, and ordered an infusion study. We have waited 6 weeks for that appointment. At an earlier appointment, we met someone who had had the infusion study and then had a shunt placed. He said he got his life back. Someone told us that 10% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease really have normal pressure hydrocephalus, which is fixable. What is your reaction to this? J.R.
Dear J.R.: Dementia is a fog that descends on the brain, erasing memory and impairing many other mental functions. Alz. is the major cause of dementia. But there are other causes, and one of them is normal pressure hydrocephalus. I can't vouch for the statement that 10% of Alz's patients have NPH, but I am sure there are a few who do. I don't want to raise false hopes for Alz. patients.
In NPH, the balance between the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid is lost. The volume of fluid within the brain increases and compresses it. That leads to the signs and symptoms of NPH.
The 3 major indicators of NPH are an abnormal walk, a diminution of memory and other mental functions (dementia) and an urgency to empty the bladder with frequent loss of bladder control. The NPH gait is one where steps are taken slowly, in short strides and with the legs wide apart. A person doesn't need all 3 criteria to merit the diagnosis.
If signs, symptoms and tests point to MPH, then drainage of the excess brain fluid often can restore a person's life, as the man you met said. A plastic tube (a shunt) drains the fluid to other body sites where it is absorbed.
If the above helps one person visiting this site, then it was worth typing. :-)
Thank you for printing that. Very important information. It shows why it is so important to get a COMPLETE neurological work up, which includes a brain MRI and EEG, when seeking a diagnosis. Just imagine the horror of living with AD, when it is NOT, and can be cured with a brain drain.
I'm copying this and taking it to our neurologist appointment. I want a complete new work up for John. COULD it be something else that no one else has thought about exploring????? VERY interesting.
I have heard of another case where the PCP diagnosed AD and after a year of misery, they went to another doctor who ordered a complete work-up. It WAS NPH and after a relatively simple operation, the shunt was in place, and he recovered, returning to his old self. OH PLEASE, everyone who has NOT had a complete workup ... this is one reason you should. Imagine if it was something that could be "fixed" and no one knew it. Read other case studies on Google . PCP's are not qualified to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease ... as a general rule. Go to a Neurologist.
This is not the only kind of dementia that can be "fixed". The other big one is low thyroid disease. This is why you go to the neurologist to get a diagnosis. They have a "checklist" of steps and tests they go through BEFORE they say it is Alzheimer's or cardio-vascular dementia.
i started thyroid meds about a yr ago and i can honestly say due to low levels that are now in check, the brain fog i was having and listlessness all day is gone. vitamin D also has made a big difference in all around feeling better bone/joint wise. i think we all would like to hope AD would turn out to be NPH instead. thats fixable. divvi