Depression Vs. Dementia in the Elderly
- Depression is a mental health disorder that involves both mind and body. It can include constant feelings of sadness or irritability, decreased pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities, inability to concentrate or make decisions or feelings of hopelessness and guilt. Physically, depressed people suffer from a loss of energy and may experience a change in appetite, with an associated weight gain or loss.They may also see a change in sleeping patterns, whether difficulty in sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Depressed people have trouble concentrating, and sometimes suffer memory lapses, but they are oriented as to time and date. They know where they are and who they are speaking to, and they use language properly, although they may speak slowly. Depressed people remember the proper names for familiar objects, as well as their uses. One of the most telling aspects of depression is the negativity that people express. They tend to overstate problems, and look for the down side of every situation. If asked to take screening tests for Alzheimer's or depression, they will see the worst-case scenario and assume they did badly.
- Dementia is a generic term that may be applied to any of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. It is characterized by the progressive and persistent loss of cognitive functions, including memory and language, as well as personality and emotional impairment. Dementia usually progresses slowly, but it is irreversible. Dementia may sometimes be confused with delirium, or what used to be called Acute Confusional State. Delerium, however, is a rapid onset condition, and may be reversible. It is estimated that anywhere from four to five million people in the United States suffer from dementia to some degree. It affects at least 30% of people older than 85, and is the leading reason that elderly people are placed in nursing homes.
- People with dementia have trouble remembering new information. They may be able to remember Christmas 20 years ago, but not be able to remember a visitor earlier in the day. They may not know what day it is, what time it is, or where they are. People with dementia often have language difficulties, and may not remember the names of common objects. Even more telling, they may not remember how to use familiar objects or do routine tasks. This is called apraxia. When people with dementia are asked to undergo screening, they are likely to try to hide their memory problems, or will make up excuses for their performance.
- Whether dementia or depression, it is important to consult with a doctor or other qualified professional to determine the proper course of treatment. Depression is not just a bad mood, and the patient cannot "snap out of it." There are many medications available to treat depression, and it is important for overall health that it is not left untreated. Dementia cannot be reversed, but there are treatments that can help slow its progression and improve the patient's quality of life.