Did you know that Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) has helped us understand dementia? Okay, not exactly, but we use his initials to help people remember a rare condition called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, also known as NPH. This condition makes up less than 1% of dementia cases, but its impact on daily life can be significant.
What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
NPH occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain’s ventricles, creating pressure that affects certain areas of the brain. This buildup is what causes symptoms like trouble walking, difficulty controlling your bladder, and memory issues.
The most common symptoms of NPH include:
So, why does NPH make you feel like you have to pee all the time? It’s all about where the fluid builds up. In NPH, the cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, particularly the area responsible for regulating bladder function. When pressure builds here, the bladder sends the signal to ‘go’ more often than usual, even when it’s not necessary.
NPH is rare, accounting for less than 1% of dementia cases, but it can be overlooked because its symptoms are often confused with other conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. It typically affects older adults, but because the symptoms mimic other cognitive or physical issues, it’s sometimes misdiagnosed.
NPH is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, and brain imaging to check for fluid buildup. The good news is that treatment is available, and in many cases, a surgical procedure to drain excess fluid can significantly improve symptoms.
While NPH may not be as well-known as other types of dementia, it’s important to be aware of the signs and get an accurate diagnosis. And hey, next time you think of NPH, it might not just be Neil Patrick Harris, but also Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, helping train the future of cognitive health!
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to a cognitive health specialist for further testing. Stay tuned as we continue to explore other types of dementia and ways to manage cognitive health!
