Alzheimer’s and Depression

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among elderly people. Depression or depressive symptoms often accompany the disease, making diagnosis and treatment more complicated. In fact, the signs are so similar it is often difficult to differentiate the two conditions. Depression is also common in other neurological disorders, particularly those causing a dementing condition (i.e. Parkinson’s and Huntington’s).

What is perhaps most interesting about the relationship between neurological disorders and depression is the unique relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Depressive symptoms may actually be the very first signs of Alzheimer’s. In other words, depression may be a risk factor or a predictor of the oncoming disease. This is reminiscent of the age-old question: “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” For years, it was thought that Alzheimer’s causes depression, but now it seems the reverse may be true. Either way, many people, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will experience depressive symptoms. While up to half of these people will suffer from both Alzheimer’s and depression, many will go unnoticed, undiagnosed and untreated.

Which One is it – Alzheimer’s or Depression?

Early Alzheimer’s and depression may have so many similarities that it is difficult to distinguish the two. Alzheimer’s symptoms can look like symptoms of depression and depressive symptoms can look like confusion. For example, apathy, withdrawal, loss of interest, isolation, and appetite and sleep disturbance are signs of both Alzheimer’s and depression. Making matters more complicated, people with Alzheimer’s have a difficult time communicating their thoughts and feelings. It, therefore, makes understanding and treating these symptoms complex.

What is the Connection?

If depression is a risk factor and one of the very first signs of Alzheimer’s, being vulnerable to depression may make people more vulnerable to developing Alzheimer’s disease. Why? Numerous biological and neurological processes are involved in both Alzheimer’s and depression. Depression can lead to decreased memory and other cognitive impairments. It can also damage areas of the brain associated with memory and learning. Depression can also be a response to early memory loss.

Depression can complicate Alzheimer’s disease in many ways. People may experience emotional suffering and increased disability associated with depression. Family members may also feel sadness watching their loved one suffer. Depression is a risk factor for early nursing home placement. People living at home with depression may not provide adequate self-care or nutrition and hydration. Deterioration in appearance, hygiene, and the physical environment may all be due to depressive feelings and lack of motivation. Perhaps the most devastating association between depression and Alzheimer’s is its ability to accelerate physical decline and death.

Final Words

Alzheimer’s disease and depression go hand in hand. The signs and symptoms of both mimic one another and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish which is which. Regardless, there does seem to be a strong connection between them; and many people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will experience depression or depressive symptoms. Some people who experience depression later in life may run a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Either way, the symptoms of one disorder can interfere with the other disorder and make the clinical picture very complicated. Medications may be prescribed to treat depressive symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease, or both. It is important to receive a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation in order to find out if one, the other, or both are affecting the individual. Depending upon diagnosis, treatment will be more targeted and appropriate.

More About Alzheimer’s and Dementia

• Elopement in Senior Care
• Managing Dementia-Related Behaviors
• Ethics in Dementia Care
• Alzheimer’s and Communication
• Alzheimer’s and Nutrition