Can normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's?

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's. Both Alzheimer's disease and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) feature changes in cognition. Therefore, a doctor evaluating a patient with increasing difficulties in thinking and memory may consider both illnesses, differentiating between the two based on historic details of the developing illness, including additional symptoms. If in doubt, imaging may be used to help hone in on the diagnosis.

Largo Medical Center

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's because it commonly affects people over 60 years old.

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