Expert: Paula Damgaard - 3/29/2005

Question
Hi,
I am feeling a bit confused.  My mother has been diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimers type.  She was having paranoid delusions and halucinations and of course very forgetful.  The thing is, her CAT Scan came back normal with no calcium deposits or brain shrinkage.  Is it still possible that she has this disease?

Answer
Hi Donna, unfortunately yes.  Mainly when we do scans we are searching for anything that could be causing the dementia.  Things like strokes, or tumors, hydrocephalus.  

I am not sure who did the diagnosing but you can always get a second opinion.  If you haven't taken her to someone who specializes in dementia, like a geriatric doctor or a neurologist I strongly recommend it.  Call the Alzheimer's Association for a recommendation.  It can't hurt and may make you feel better!  

Good luck.  Paula