Depression or Dementia???

Dementia is characterized by mental decline and impairment. It describes disorders that affect brain functioning, loss of memory, judgment, language, certain motor skills and other intellectual functions. As we are all aware some of the causes of dementia can be a stroke, malnourishment, hospitalization, trauma, and drug contraindications and interactions. Many people with dementia will likely lose the ability to perform everyday tasks necessary to live independently.

Depression can actually mask as dementia in older people. Often times a depressed person will be inaccurately diagnosed as having dementia and therefore be treated for the dementia and a downward spiral occurs. Depression is characterized by an intense sadness lasting two weeks or longer, and can impact a person’s life to perform everyday tasks. Depression is a mood disorder and dementia is a brain disorder. However, the two disorders can share similar symptoms: memory problems, low motivation, sluggish speech and movements. Also people with Alzheimer’s can experience depression. So how can they be differentiated? With dementia the mental decline happens slowly, while in depression, the mental decline is relatively rapid. There is confusion and disorientation in dementia but with depression, typically the individual knows the correct time date and where they are. In dementia there is difficulty with short term memory but in depression there is difficulty concentrating. In dementia writing, speaking and motor skills are impaired but in depression these skills are normal but they may be slowed. In dementia the individual does not notice memory problems or seems to care but in depression the individual typically worries about memory problems.

So remember an accurate diagnosis, before treatment, is crucial to the benefit of the senior!