Karnataka Businessman’s Case Reveals Why Memory Loss Is Not Always Dementia

A 52-year-old businessman from Bellari, Karnataka, recently sought medical help after struggling with memory problems that disrupted his daily life. He reported missing appointments, fumbling with numbers, and losing confidence in tasks that once defined his career. His greatest fear was that he might be developing Alzheimer’s disease, since his mother had been diagnosed with it years earlier.

On detailed evaluation, doctors noted that his mood changes and anxiety had begun several months before his memory lapses. This sequence of symptoms raised the possibility of pseudodementia, a condition in which depression or anxiety presents with dementia-like features such as forgetfulness, poor concentration, and reduced motivation.

The case was highlighted in a medical post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), by Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) where the doctor emphasized that not every case of memory loss is linked to dementia. He underscores the importance of ruling out reversible causes, such as depression, anxiety, or medication side effects, before diagnosing neurodegenerative disease.

In this case, doctors conducted an MRI brain scan and routine blood tests, which showed normal results. Genetic testing for APOE4, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, was also negative. These findings, along with the clinical history, strengthened the suspicion of pseudodementia.

The patient was referred to a psychiatrist, who prescribed anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication along with counseling. Within a month, his mood improved significantly, and his memory performance also showed progress. At a three-month follow-up, his cognitive function was nearly back to baseline.

Broader Context

Studies published in journals such as Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica and Frontiers in Psychiatry confirm that pseudodementia is often underdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary distress among patients and families. Timely identification and management can not only improve quality of life but also prevent inappropriate labeling of a person with dementia.

Key Clinical Lessons

Doctors stress that detailed history-taking, especially the timing and sequence of symptoms, is critical in differentiating pseudodementia from true dementia. They also highlight that counseling and psychosocial support play a major role alongside medication.

For patients and families, the central message is clear: memory loss does not always point to Alzheimer’s or irreversible cognitive decline. Careful medical evaluation can identify treatable causes and help patients regain their confidence and daily functioning.

What Is Pseudodementia?

Pseudodementia is a clinical syndrome where cognitive impairment is secondary to a psychiatric condition, most often depression. Unlike neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, the changes in pseudodementia are potentially reversible with treatment of the underlying mood disorder.

Research published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry and other peer-reviewed journals highlights that pseudodementia can closely mimic dementia, making diagnosis challenging. Symptoms may include memory lapses, difficulty in decision-making, reduced attention, slowed thinking, and disinterest in routine activities. Unlike dementia, patients often express concern about their cognitive decline, while individuals with true dementia may lack such insight.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)