Submitted by: Morgan Saunders, Gracewell Social Worker
According to Alzheimer’s Association, experts estimate that up to 40 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from significant depression. At the beginning stages of Dementia people often face the reality that they cannot do what they used to do and struggle to remember things that were once very important to them like hobbies or family member’s names. Dementia and depression can look very similar and often go hand-in-hand. So how can you tell the difference?
Common symptoms between the both include:
- apathy
- loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- isolation
- social withdrawal
- trouble concentrating
- impaired thinking
Depression related to Dementia does not always look like depression in people without Dementia. Because of the changes in cognition, Depression with Dementia may be less severe, may not last as long, symptoms may come and go, and the person with Dementia may be less likely to express what they are feeling consistently or accurately.
The best way to determine if a loved one with Dementia is experiencing a period of depression is to have a medical evaluation completed. Their doctor will look at a review of their medical history, physical and mental examination, and complete interviews with family members who are familiar with their loved ones history. The National Institute of Mental Health established a formal set of guidelines for diagnosing the depression in people with Alzheimer’s that medical providers can use for most accurate diagnosis. As a caregiver, if you see signs of depression, discuss them with their primary doctor, as proper diagnosis and treatment can improve sense of well-being and function.
Please feel free to reach out to me, Morgan Saunders, Gracewell Social Worker with any questions regarding dementia, dementia care, and available resources – (712) 263-3114.
