affecting the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease together with vascular changes.
## Conditions That Can Look Like Dementia
Memory and concentration problems should never automatically be assumed to mean dementia.
Potentially treatable causes may include:
* depression
* anxiety
* sleep deprivation
* sleep apnea
* thyroid disorders
* vitamin B12 deficiency
* medication side effects
* infections
* dehydration
* hearing impairment
* vision problems
* excessive alcohol use
A proper medical evaluation can help distinguish among these possibilities.
## Sudden Confusion Is Different
Dementia usually develops gradually.
If an older person becomes confused **suddenly over hours or days**, this can represent delirium
