Can autism be mistaken for dementia?

More than 10 percent of people diagnosed with autism from age 40 to 60 develop a dementia condition such as Alzheimer’s disease within 15 years. “There’s a loss of skills as people get older, or an increased incidence of a dementing process, which no one has measured, to my knowledge,” Neumeyer says.

Is Aspergers a form of dementia?

A Case of Adult Asperger’s Syndrome Previously Diagnosed as Frontotemporal Dementia.

Is Aspergers considered a psychological disorder?

Asperger’s Disorder was added to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) in 1994 as a separate disorder from autism.

Is dementia a spectrum disorder?

The dementia spectrum encompasses a range of disorders with complex diagnosis, pathophysiology and limited treatment options. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging provides insights into specific neurodegenerative processes underlying dementia disorders in vivo.

Does autism get worse with old age?

Autism does not change or worsen with age, and it is not curable.

Is Asperger’s over-diagnosed?

Yes, there are some that have been misdiagnosed in the past. That is true of just about any condition. But, for every Benjamin Nugent, there are others who went through years of struggle and pain, yet remained overlooked. People who claim that Asperger’s is over-diagnosed should spend some time with some of those people.

Do people with Asperger’s/autism have different mental health conditions?

On the other hand, some people diagnosed with Asperger/Autism suffer from distinct and debilitating mental health conditions. Anxiety and Depression, in particular, seem to occur at a higher rate among individuals with Asperger’s/Autism than in the population at large.

What is the Adult Asperger Assessment?

The Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA) is an instrument that was developed especially for diagnosing Asperger’s syndrome in adults ( 5 ). It entails two screening methods, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Empathy Quotient (EQ), as well as extended DSM-IV criteria ( box 2 ).

Can Asperger’s syndrome be treated in adulthood?

Methods The etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Asperger’s syndrome in adulthood are outlined on the basis of a selective literature review via Medline and information in relevant reference books. Furthermore, the authors report their personal experience at a special clinic for adults.