Watching someone slowly lose their memory due to dementia is like having a piece of your heart taken away. But when depression is also involved, it can feel like you’re losing them twice. First to confusion and memory loss, and then to a darkness that takes away whatever spark they have left.
However, there’s something that can bring you joy. Depression, even in people with dementia, can be treated. As a caregiver, understanding this link can be your weapon to fight it more effectively.
How common is depression in dementia?
Depression can affect many people with dementia. Here are some rough estimates, according to a study, that may surprise you:
- Each year, 30 out of 100 people with Alzheimer’s disease also struggle with other illnesses, such as depression.
- 30 out of 100 people with vascular dementia are also diagnosed with depression.
- More than 40 out of 100 people with Parkinson’s disease dementia develop depression.
- More than 40 out of 100 people with Huntington’s disease dementia do not recover from depression.
These statistics tell us something important. Depression doesn’t just happen when people are aging or have dementia. It is a real medical condition that requires special attention and care. Besides, studies show that all serious mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, are associated with dementia.
What does depression look like in someone with dementia?
Depression in a person with dementia can be difficult to recognize. Some symptoms are similar to dementia. However, there are some signs of depression that you should pay attention to.
Mood changes you may notice:
- Feeling sad most of the time and wanting to be alone
- Being angry or crying over an upsetting event
- Unconsciously worrying about “what ifs”
- Being irritable or short-tempered
Changes in daily life:
- Not sleeping well, sleeping too much, or not sleeping at all
- Eating problems, such as not wanting to eat anything
- Feeling very tired all day
- Not wanting to socialize with other people
- Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
Thoughts and feelings:
- Consider themselves very unhappy due to the negative environment around them
- Constantly think about how everything will end for them
- Feel like nothing in life is real anymore
- Deeply saddened by things that are not their fault is the cause of their sadness.
This is important for you to know. Depression can worsen memory problems.
Why is it so difficult to differentiate?
The clinical picture of depression and dementia can sometimes be similar, so the symptoms can be very similar. Both can cause:
- A feeling of being lost with loved ones
- An indifferent attitude towards things around them
- A reluctance to participate in activities
- Difficulty thinking
Depression often occurs before dementia symptoms appear. Professionals and scientists are still examining this link. This is what they know so far:
- Depression might be an early sign of brain changes
- Depression might increase inflammation in the body
- This inflammation could make dementia more likely to develop
- Having both conditions together makes everything harder
The important thing to remember is that whether depression comes first or second, treating it can make life better for everyone involved.
The importance of a correct diagnosis
Before determining whether it’s depression, seek professional help, such as a board-certified psychiatrist or neuropsychiatrist, to rule out other medical and physical conditions that could be causing the symptoms. This step is crucial because the wrong treatment won’t help your loved one:
- Hormonal imbalance, which disrupts the thyroid, can mimic symptoms of depression.
- Illnesses that cause insomnia or poor sleep can make them more confused.
- Certain medications can change their mood instantly.
- Body pain can make them sad.
- Infections can cause changes in their behavior and emotions.
Medication options
Some people with dementia may respond to antidepressants, but the results of these studies have been mixed. Here are some things families should keep in mind:
- Not all medications have the same side effects.
- Doctors usually prescribe low-dose medications first.
- Slow progress in improvement may take weeks or even months.
- Careful monitoring of side effects
- Medical professionals should see patients regularly to determine whether the medication is working effectively.
- In some cases, medications used to treat memory loss (such as donepezil) may be effective in treating depression.
Talk therapy:
It is beneficial, especially in the earlier stages of dementia. It becomes more challenging as dementia gets worse because of these factors:
- Memory problems make it hard to recall what was said
- The situation becomes more complicated to understand
- Developing thoughts and expressing feelings are becoming difficult
Other helpful activities
In conjunction with medication and talk therapy, some approaches help lift mood and reduce depression:
- Music therapy: Listening to favorite songs or playing instruments
- Reminiscence therapy: Talking about happy memories from the past
- Physical activity: Walking, dancing, or gentle exercises
- Social activities: Spending time with others in groups
- Pet therapy: Interacting with friendly animals
- Art activities: Drawing, painting, or crafts
Social connection:
- Regular visits with family and friends.
- Specially designed activities in an adult day program.
- Group support, when appropriate.
- Participating in community activities for people with dementia.
Environmental changes:
- Small, simple changes to the environment can have lasting effects:
- Adjusting daylight hours
- Making daily routines consistent
- Reducing stress and crowds
- Ensuring their physical comfort
- Ensuring they are not in pain and are well cared for
Taking care of yourself too:
To care for someone with dementia and depression is an exhausting process. The stress can spill over to depression in caregivers as well. Studies evidenced the following:
- More than two out of three caregivers show signs of depression
- Older caregivers are in a high-risk category
- Having less family support increases the risk of depression
- Caring for someone with severe dementia is especially challenging
Your mental health care is no more important than anyone else’s. Moreover, it is necessary. When one is in a good mood, the caregiving burden becomes lighter, which will undoubtedly advance the sufferer’s healing process.
When to seek immediate help?
Certain situations will require immediate professional help:
- Statements about self-harm or suicide
- Eating disorders due to isolation
- Psychotic disturbances
- Get sick more often, leading to a general decline in all body systems
Every person is different, and what works for one person with dementia may not work for another. Nevertheless, never stop experimenting with different approaches and work with healthcare providers who are knowledgeable not only about dementia but also about effective dementia treatment methods.
Remember that even small improvements can make a big difference. For example, someone eating more nutritiously, sleeping better, or, most importantly, experiencing lighter moments. This is especially important for families caring for patients with dementia.
