This is the continuation of the previous article on Depression and Dementia.
What is the relationship of Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?
• The biological changes caused by AD may intensify a predisposition to depression;
• Depression may increase the chances of developing AD;
• Depression can affect quality of life of persons with AD:
◦ Worsening cognitive decline
◦ Greater disability with regard to Activities of Daily Living
◦ Increased dependence on caregivers
What is the difference between Depression and Dementia?
• Depression develops more quickly than Dementia
• Problems with speech, reasoning, orientation to time & space usually common in persons with Dementia & not with Depression.
• Persons with Depression may occasionally complain of difficulty remembering but will be able to do so with prompts.
• Persons with Depression may complain of impaired reasoning & memory but these improve after medication or when depression lifts
• Lack of motivation (apathy) to do things seen in both conditions, but this disappears when anti-depressive medication is given.
(sources: helpguide.org., alheizmer.org.uk, mayoclinic.org)
