Treating dementia: when it's not Alzheimer's

Dr. Tim Johnson explores Phil's Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Hydrocephalus involves the expansion of the brain- from the inside out. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) does not drain properly from the brain. Instead, it collects inside the brain and pushes against the brain's grey matter. In particular, it disturbs areas that control bladder function, gait (walking), and thinking.

After a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's, they sought the help of Dr. Mark Luciano (Cleveland Clinic). He saw the common symptoms and the treatment possibilities. Unlike other types of dementia and neuromuscular diseases, hydrocephalus is treatable with a surgical shunt.

Phil's health team was not sure if he would improve with a shunt operation. But of course, they had to try. And it was a success.

Watch this video about how Phil and his family learned that he had a treatable type of dementia, and with the proper diagnosis and treatment, he is now recovering: