Which term describes a false form of dementia?

Pseudodementia is the term used to describe a false form of dementia, which can mimic the symptoms of true dementia but is typically caused by underlying psychiatric conditions, such as depression. In pseudodementia, cognitive impairment may appear significant, yet it is often reversible with treatment of the underlying condition. This condition can lead to confusion, memory problems, and issues with reasoning and organization, much like true dementias, but the cognitive deficits are primarily a result of psychological rather than neurodegenerative processes.

In contrast, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and normal pressure hydrocephalus are all types of true dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive decline due to specific neurological damage or changes in the brain. Alzheimer's involves the accumulation of plaques and tangles, vascular dementia is related to blood flow problems in the brain, and normal pressure hydrocephalus involves an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. These conditions typically result in irreversible cognitive impairment as they affect brain structure and function directly. Thus, pseudodementia stands out as a temporary and often treatable condition, rather than a progressive and permanent degenerative process.