Everyone feels down now and then. Sometimes the cause is apparent – a pet passes away, you're diagnosed with a medical condition, you lose a friend – and sometimes there doesn't seem to be a cause. You may even tell yourself, "Snap out of it! You have no reason to be depressed."
Feeling sad occasionally is a normal part of life and nothing to be worried about. However, depression is a different story, and depression in people with Alzheimer's or dementia is particularly complicated and concerning.
"Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working," according to the National Institute of Mental Health. "To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks."
"Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year," according to the American Psychiatric Association. "And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life."
Furthermore, according to the National Council on Aging and the National Library of Medicine, estimates for depression in older adults are as follows:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, experts are unsure of the exact cause of depression. However, the following factors can contribute to the development of depression:
Depression is more common in people with vascular dementia. Some attribute that to the fact that they are more aware of their condition than those with Alzheimer's, which may cause ongoing stress about their mental capabilities and future.
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. Different levels of depression – mild, moderate, or severe depression – can also create different symptoms. Some symptoms are the same at any age, and some are more common in someone with dementia. And you will notice that many of the symptoms of dementia and depression are the same.
Here are some symptoms of depression to watch for:
The link between depression and dementia (a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life) or Alzheimer's (a specific brain disease that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases) is complicated.
Here's why:
Experts are still researching to understand the relationship between dementia and depression better. Still, research has shown a relationship, that depression and dementia share common causes, and that depression may be an early sign of dementia.
Depression is serious and should not be ignored. There are things you can do to ease depression and create a better quality of life, but first, it has to be diagnosed. So, it's crucial that you watch for the symptoms of depression in yourself or someone you care for. If you suspect someone may be depressed, they should consult with their doctor or psychiatrist.
A doctor may recommend antidepressant medication (always ask about the risks and benefits), talk therapy, and/or cognitive behavior therapy. Furthermore, there are things you can do for people with both dementia and depression that may help:
Watching a loved one struggle with depression, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease can be heartbreaking. Comforting Home Care by Phoebe offers compassionate in-home dementia care and Alzheimer's care designed to provide your loved one with the assistance they need to live comfortably and safely at home.
Contact us today at 610-625-5206 or connect with us online.
Comforting Home Care by Phoebe
1 Reading Dr
Wernersville, PA 19565
Phone: 610-625-5206
Comforting Home Care by Phoebe
1925 W. Turner Street
Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: 610-625-5600
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