Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus in adults: a condition mistaken for aging
Memory problems, trouble walking and loss of bladder control can look like normal aging. In some older adults, the cause is a treatable hydrocephalus.
Dr. Julián Carrillo GonzálezNeurosurgeon. February 24, 2026, 7 min read
When an older adult starts walking with short steps, forgetting things and leaking urine, the family usually thinks it is age. Sometimes the cause is a treatable condition: hydrocephalus.
What is hydrocephalus in adults?
It is an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. This fluid protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord; normally it is produced, circulates and is reabsorbed in balance. When its flow is blocked or less of it is reabsorbed, it builds up and presses on the brain. Although it is associated with newborns, it also appears in adults.
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus?
It is the most common form in older adults. Despite the name, the fluid pressure can fluctuate, even if it reads normal on many measurements. It is recognized by three symptoms:
- Changes in walking.
- Decline in memory and thinking.
- Loss of bladder control.
What does walking look like with hydrocephalus?
Short steps, shuffling feet, unsteadiness and the feeling that the feet are stuck to the floor. It is not caused by joint pain, and it can be mistaken for bone problems or Parkinson's disease.
Is memory loss from hydrocephalus reversible?
It can be, in part. The decline shows up as slow thinking, difficulty processing information and forgetting recent things. Unlike other dementias, these changes can improve if the hydrocephalus is treated in time.
How is it diagnosed?
With a CT scan or MRI of the brain, which show the size of the ventricles and how the fluid is distributed. Sometimes a lumbar tap is done to remove fluid and see whether the symptoms improve temporarily, which helps predict the response to treatment.
How is hydrocephalus treated?
With a shunt (a valve system) that drains the extra fluid to another part of the body where it is reabsorbed. With a correct diagnosis at the right time, many patients walk and think better.
In summary
Walking with short steps, forgetfulness and urine leaks are not necessarily "just age." Recognizing them as possibly treatable is the first step toward a diagnosis that can change quality of life.
This article is for information only and does not replace a medical visit. If you have warning signs, go to the emergency room.