Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Depression is a common occurrence with people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, especially amongst those who are able to realize that their memory and normal functioning abilities are worsening.

Identifying depression in someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is difficult as dementia itself can create many of the signs and symptoms commonly associated with depression.

Doctors, therefore, have to rely heavily on nonverbal clues such as:

- apathy
- expressing feelings of worthlessness and sadness
- change in sleeping patterns
- loss of appetite and losing weight
- extreme emotional reactions (ie inappropriate or unusually emotional crying, anger, or agitation)
- refusal to participate in their own personal cares (ie getting dressed or taking medications)
- increased wandering

Want to know more:

Facts: About Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease

Stress, Depression and Alzheimer’s, Part 1

Stress, Depression, and Alzheimer’s, Part 2

New Diagnostic Tool Validates Alzheimer’s-Syndrome Depression