Dementia vs. Depression:
Key Differences and Similarities
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- Is it dementia or depression?
- Where do the symptoms overlap?
- Where does treatment overlap?
It is important to distinguish between dementia and depression as we age—or as someone that we love and are caring for ages.
Of Note… If you are a caregiver, you may be at high risk for depression just because of the incredible challenges of caregiving. Don’t confuse it with cognitive decline, though it could feel like that at times! Both disorders are common in later years, and each can lead to the other.
"Depression in the elderly can also lead to a phenomenon called pseudodementia — an apparent intellectual decline that stems from a lack of energy or effort. People with this problem are often forgetful, move slowly, and have low motivation as well as mental slowing. They may or may not appear depressed. This syndrome responds well to treatments for depression. As mood improves, as a person's energy, ability to concentrate, and intellectual functioning usually return to previous levels.”
What can look the same:
- Slowing of responses.
- Lack of interest in things that used to stimulate or give pleasure
- Unable or unwilling to “make an effort”
- Short term memory loss
- Social withdrawal
- Having difficulty with memory and concentration
- Feeling depressed, down, or helpless
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Common Depression symptoms:
Depression symptoms impact a person nearly every day for 2 weeks.
They can include:
- persistent depressed mood
- feelings of pessimism, worthlessness, or helplessness
- agitation or restlessness
- loss of interest in activities that normally provided happiness
- low energy levels
- sleep changes, such as sleeping too much or very little
- trouble with concentration, memory, or decision making
- extreme changes in eating habits that can lead to noticeable weight loss or weight gain
- thoughts of death or suicide
Common Dementia symptoms
Dementia symptoms can vary by individual. They may appear subtle at first, before becoming more noticeable as time passes.
Look out for these symptoms, which can include:
- forgetting where you put things
- difficulty recalling events or people’s names
- getting lost in places that should be familiar to you
- repeating questions
- losing track of time
- problems with decision making or problem solving
- trouble speaking or expressing thoughts
- difficulty with or needing help with daily tasks
- changes in mood, which can include things such as depression, anxiety, or agitation
- trouble with movement and balance
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How are these 2 conditions diagnosed:
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.20210009
Dementia Syndrome of Depression: Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical Relevance
“not all patients with cognitive impairment and depression have an unrelenting course of further cognitive decline”
“It is well documented that depressive disorders frequently cause mild cognitive deficits, which show up in psychometric testing (7). In late life, however, the relationship between depression and dementia becomes increasingly complicated, given the significant symptomatic overlap, including loss of interest, apathy, difficulty making decisions, agitation, irritability, and changes in sleep and appetite (2). This symptom overlap results in a diagnostic and treatment dilemma that may manifest in delayed treatment of profound depression resulting in persistent major functional impairment (8). The difficulties specific to the geriatric population with DSD have been identified as memory loss, attention deficits, initiation problems, and word-finding difficulties."
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Dementia treatment
There’s currently no cure-all treatment for dementia. But managing this condition can help improve quality of life. Medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can slow the progression of dementia, including:
- donepezil (Aricept)
- galantamine (Razadyne)
The support of loved ones and caregivers is also essential. Ways you can help include:
- helping to maintain an individual’s independence as long as possible
- helping with daily activities and personal care
- encouraging activities that provide mental and social stimulation
- managing the mood, behavioral, and sleep symptoms associated with dementia
- managing other health conditions and treatments
Depression treatment
Treating depression in people with dementia can be complicated. People with dementia often have difficulty remembering things and focusing, which can make talk therapy difficult. But this may benefit some people.
Common antidepressants include:
When doctors do prescribe antidepressants to people with dementia, they need to monitor them closely. This is because it can be difficult to observe the effects of psychiatric medications in people with dementia.
Lifestyle changes can also be difficult for people with dementia, but friends, family, and caregivers can help. Examples of constructive lifestyle changes include:
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continuing to stay active
- staying socially engaged and avoiding isolation
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trying out ways to relax and reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation
- reaching out to your support network, such as your friends and loved ones
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The medications for both conditions are significantly different! However, BOTH “conditions” respond to appropriate non-medication treatment!
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― Susan Musicant, DPT
Injury Prevention Coordinator at DayBreak
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Staff Spotlight: Roger Skillin, MS ✨ | |
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1) What are 3 words that describe you?
Creative, collaborative and curious.
2) How long have you been with DayBreak Adult Care, and what brought you here?
Four and half years. I was recruited from my position in foster care approving families for adoption to coordinate the Co-op Adult Day Community pilot program.
3) What do you enjoy most about your role?
Knowing I’m of service to others.
4) What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests?
I enjoy hiking, playing guitar, creating graphics, and volunteering.
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Thank you, Roger! We appreciate all that you do
for our clients and community.
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If you know an elder in need of our care and coordination services, or a caregiver seeking support, please encourage them to reach out to us at:
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