Dementia due to metabolic causes

Definition:

A brain disorder involving deterioration of mental function caused by changes in the tissues of the brain because of various disorders of metabolism.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Dementia due to metabolic causes affects about 1 out of 10,000 people. Age and sex distribution varies according to the causative disorder. Dementia associated with metabolic disorders may cause reversible or irreversible confusion and changes in intellect or reasoning.

Metabolic causes of dementia include, but are not limited to:

• endocrine disorders
  • Addison's disease
  • Cushing's disease
  • diabetic nephropathy
  • diabetic ketoacidosis
  • insulinoma or hypoglycemia
  • hypoparathyroidism
  • hyperparathyroidism
  • hypothyroidism
  • thyrotoxicosis
  • pheochromocytoma

• metabolic disorders
  • acid/base disorders of any type
  • fluid electrolyte disorders of any type
  • hyponatremia
  • hypercalcemia
  • kidney failure, with uremia
  • liver disease
  • porphyria

• nutritional disorders
  • vitamin B-1 deficiency
  • vitamin B-12 deficiency
  • pellagra
  • protein-calorie malnutrition