Alzheimer's Club

About 375,000 people have NPH, a condition that often mimics the symptoms of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease

Thirty-six-year-old Debbie Roll had taken her 70-year-old mother from doctor to doctor trying desperately to get a diagnosis to explain the rapid decline in her mother's health.

Within about a year, Roll's mother, Edythe Magduff, went from an independent, financially savvy woman to one who needed round-the-clock nursing and a wheelchair to get around. She had trouble focusing. She became incontinent. And she was falling down several times a day. It became so bad that Roll and her sisters agreed that if their mother showed no signs of improvement they would move her into a nursing home.

Then, one morning, Roll just happened to be watching a network morning show, and everything changed. A neurosurgeon and former patient were being interviewed about normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that often mimics the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It was as though they were talking about Roll's mother.

What Is NPH? NPH is an accumulation of excess fluid around the brain. Its three primary symptoms - walking or shuffling the feet as if they're glued to the ground, urinary incontinence and dementia - closely mirror symptoms associated with more commonly diagnosed diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. As a result, many people who have NPH do not know they have it or are diagnosed with other diseases.

How Is NPH Diagnosed? People who have the three primary symptoms of NPH should see a neurologist for a complete neurological workup. The exam includes a clinical assessment, CT and/or MRI scans, and other kinds of neurological tests.

How Is NPH Treated? NPH is treated with a shunt. This tube-like device is implanted in the head to drain excess fluid from the brain to the abdomen, where it can be safely absorbed.

What Is The Prognosis For Those Who Have NPH? The prognosis depends on many factors, but cases successfully managed with a shunt can result in a reversal of symptoms. Only a specialist can properly diagnose NPH. Surgery is not for everyone. There are potential risks and complications. Recovery may take time.

How Did Things Turn Out For Roll And Her Mother? Within a month of Roll's seeing that morning show, Magduff got an MRI and was diagnosed with NPH. She was treated with a programmable shunt, and within 48 hours of surgery, Magduff was thinking clearly again. Within several days, she no longer needed a wheelchair, and her incontinence was eliminated. Today, she lives an active life and is grateful to have regained her independence. Roll and her sisters are thrilled to have their mom back.

Source: Hispanic PR Wire Contexto Latino (last viewed 5 April 2006) [FullText]