Can Mom’s Dementia Be Fixed?

You probably know someone living with dementia — but what if your loved one’s symptoms aren’t what they seem? Could your loved one's dementia be fixed? According to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report from the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s dementia has climbed to approximately 7.2 million—up from an estimated 6.9 million in 2024. 

This means that around 11% of older adults now live with the disease, which is about one in nine people over age 65 . These figures focus on clinical dementia due to Alzheimer’s, meaning individuals experiencing cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life. They do not include those in earlier stages—such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s—or individuals who have Alzheimer’s biomarkers yet no noticeable symptoms. 

When these earlier stages are included, estimates suggest 10 to 12 million older Americans, across all stages of memory impairment, may be affected, according to the Alzheimer's Association. In addition, there are roughly 200,000 Americans under 65 living with early-onset Alzheimer’s—cases where symptoms begin before the age of 65. These individuals often face more aggressive disease patterns and unique challenges with employment, insurance, and family responsibilities. While this cohort is relatively small compared to the total number affected, its impact is profound on those families and communities. 

Key points for 2025:

• 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ with clinical Alzheimer’s dementia
• ≈11% prevalence among older adults
• 200,000 Americans under 65 with early-onset Alzheimer’s (estimate unchanged)
• 10–12 million older adults across all clinical stages, including MCI

These updated figures highlight a continuing upward trend in Alzheimer’s prevalence in 2025—a result of both longevity in the aging population and enhanced diagnostic practices. And while Alzheimer’s is the most common form, there are many other types of dementia — all of which take an emotional and financial toll on families. 

But here’s the part many people don’t realize: several reversible or treatable conditions can look like dementia, and getting a correct diagnosis could restore your loved one’s memory, clarity, and quality of life. So could mom's dementia be reversed? Perhaps. 

Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia 

Experts emphasize it’s crucial to have your family member evaluated thoroughly by a doctor familiar with cognitive issues. The following issues can cause dementia-like symptoms:

• Hearing or vision loss can lead to confusion and social withdrawal.
• A lack of oxygen to the brain, caused by heart or lung problems, can result in temporary cognitive decline.
• Urinary tract infections or hospital delirium, especially in older adults, can lead to sudden, severe confusion that often resolves with treatment.
• Dehydration is a common cause of cognitive changes in seniors.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can mimic dementia but is reversible with supplements.
• Medication side effects, drug interactions, or overmedication can cause memory loss or disorientation.
• Brain tumors or other illnesses, which sometimes first present with cognitive symptoms.
• Post-surgical cognitive issues, like those seen after open-heart surgery, can temporarily or permanently affect memory.

Cognitive decline doesn’t always mean dementia. Simple health issues can sometimes masquerade as Alzheimer’s, and a careful medical evaluation is key.” — Dr. Elise Caccappolo, associate professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center.

Don’t Overlook Hormonal or Mental Health Factors

Even younger adults can experience temporary cognitive symptoms. For example, women going through menopause sometimes report “brain fog” that can mimic early dementia. Anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders can also impair memory and concentration — but these causes are treatable.

Why Planning Still Matters

Even if your loved one’s symptoms turn out to be temporary, the reality is that longevity increases everyone’s risk of eventually needing long-term care. Dementia or not, aging often leads to chronic illnesses, frailty, or mobility issues. With long-term care services, including memory care, not covered by Medicare, the impact can create a family crisis. 

The financial stakes are enormous: the LTC News survey of long-term care costs shows that assisted living costs average over $60,000 per year nationally when you include surcharges, memory care even more, and nursing home care often exceeds $120,000 annually. While in-home caregivers can be less, those individuals needing supervision generally require more extended care, which increases those costs. These costs can adversely impact income and lifestyle, draining retirement savings and burdening your spouse or children.

“Families need to plan ahead. Long-Term Care Insurance is the only way to guarantee tax-free funds for quality care at home or in a facility without spending down assets.” —Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.

Tips for Smart Planning

• Act before retirement: Premiums are lower, and you’re more likely to medically qualify in your 40s or 50s. Yet, premiums and underwriting rules vary dramatically between insurance companies. Seek help from a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to get accurate quotes on LTC Insurance options.
• Work with a true specialist: Choose someone representing multiple top-rated insurers. When you seek accurate quotes for Long-Term Care Insurance, you can rely on LTC News Trusted LTC Insurance Specialists. These LTC News trusted partners are professionals who are screened by LTC News and hold the esteemed CLTC designation, are endorsed by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), and come highly recommended as Ramsey Trusted Pros by financial expert Dave Ramsey’s organization (Ramsey Solutions) - Quotes From Trusted Long-Term Care Insurance Specialists.
• Consider partnership LTC policies: These can help you shelter your assets no matter how long and costly your long-term care event.

Bottom Line

Alzheimer’s and other dementias remain a massive challenge for American families, but don’t jump to conclusions if your parent or partner shows signs of cognitive decline. A thorough medical evaluation can sometimes uncover treatable causes. Still, you should prepare for the possibility of needing care later in life. Long-Term Care Insurance can help you safeguard your income, protect your savings, and ensure your loved ones aren’t left with impossible decisions.