Dementia due to metabolic causes

Treatment:

Treatment focuses on the cause of the disorder and controlling symptoms. Treatment of the cause may include medicines, dietary supplements, or other measure (see the specific cause). The progression of symptoms may require 24-hour monitoring and care in the home or in an institutionalized care setting.

Long-term care includes environmental safety and control of aggression or agitated behaviors through behavior modification and medications.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies depending on the cause and the extent of damage to the brain.

Complications:

• irreversible brain injury
• loss of ability to function or care for self
• loss of ability to interact with others
• increased incidence of infections anywhere in the body
• other complications of the causative disorder (see the specific cause)
• side effects of medications used to treat the disorder (see the specific medication)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicating dementia may be present.

Call for an appointment if symptoms worsen or persist despite treatment of metabolic causes, or if new symptoms develop.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if there is a sudden change in mental status or if the condition deteriorates to the point a life-threatening emergency.