Potentially Reversible Dementias: Causes and Treatments

Several dementia-like syndromes are reversible with targeted treatment:

1. Pseudodementia (depression): Antidepressants, psychotherapy.
2. Medication/toxin-induced: Anticholinergics, benzos, alcohol—deprescribe.
3. Vitamin B12 deficiency: Parenteral B12 replacement.
4. Normal pressure hydrocephalus: VP shunt surgery.
5. Hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine.
6. Chronic subdural hematoma: Surgical evacuation.
7. Neurosyphilis: IV penicillin.

Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal dementias remain irreversible. Early comprehensive workup (labs, imaging, neuropsych) is essential.