When doctors refer to depression, they refer to the medical condition known as major depression. A person suffering from major depression experiences symptoms almost daily, all day, for at least two weeks. What is difference alzheimer’s and depression?
Among these symptoms are:
- Sadness or numbness
- Crying easily or for no apparent reason
- feeling slowed and down
- Feeling agitated and restless
- Feeling insignificant or guilty
- Having difficulty remembering, focusing, or making decisions
- Headaches, backaches, and digestive issues
- Unintentional weight loss or gain
- Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping
- Tired all of the time
- No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy, including sex
- Suicidal or death-related thoughts
- A milder form of depression causes less severe symptoms. Both have the same underlying causes and treatments.
- An elderly person suffering from depression may become confused or have difficulty understanding simple requests.
What Exactly Is Alzheimer’s disease
The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by damage to brain cells. This can result from a tumor, head injury, stroke, or disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty remembering, learning, and communicating. People eventually find it difficult to care for themselves due to these changes. It may also cause changes in mood and personality.
Depression is very common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. They often become depressed when they realize their memory and ability to function are deteriorating. Depression and Alzheimer’s disease can both cause other symptoms. They may no longer want to go places or see people. Their outlook and quality of life may suffer as a result. You can contact any senior living near me.
The Way to Better Health
It can be difficult to tell if a family member is depressed from the outside. You can look for some of the typical depression symptoms. Your loved one may become agitated and angry or lost and confused. They may refuse assistance with personal care, such as dressing or taking medications. Many symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and depression are similar. It can be difficult to distinguish between them. If you suspect that your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is depressed, consult with doctor.
Consider the following:
There are numerous things you can do to assist someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and depression:
- Make your surroundings pleasant. Include people and things they are acquainted with. This can lift their spirits and alleviate any fear or anxiety.
- Set reasonable expectations for what they can accomplish. Assist them with tasks they cannot complete on their own. Expectations should not be so high that they become frustrated or upset.
- Allow them to assist you with simple, enjoyable tasks. These could include cooking, gardening, or crafting.
- Avoid loud noises, crowded environments, and overstimulation. As a result, they may become anxious or act out.
- Maintain a positive attitude. Frequent compliments will make you feel better.
- You must take care of someone as a caregiver with Alzheimer’s disease. The person will be less able to assist if he become exhausted and frustrated. Solicit assistance from family, friends, and local community organizations.
- Your local senior citizens’ group or social services agency may offer respite care. This is short-term care provided to a patient in order to relieve the caregiver. Look for caregiver support groups or ask your doctor about them.
- Other people who are dealing with similar issues may have helpful suggestions on how to deal with them. Adult daycare facilities may be beneficial. They can provide a consistent environment and opportunities for socialization for your family member. Most senior living facilities have Alzheimer’s dementia-specific programs.
When Should You Go To The Doctor
If you notice symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or depression in yourself or a loved one, contact your doctor. Adults should be screened for depression, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Some symptoms may be treated with medication prescribed by the doctor. Antidepressant medications can be beneficial. These medications help to alleviate emotional and mental symptoms. They can also assist with eating and/or sleeping issues. Antidepressant medications are not addictive.
Depression
Between 40 and 50 percent of people with Alzheimer’s experience depression, compared to about 7 percent of the general population. The high incidence is due to both disease-related brain changes and, at least early in the disease, the shock of the diagnosis.
The term “affective syndrome of Alzheimer’s disease” was coined by psychiatrists more than a decade ago to describe the depression that occurs in these patients. Depressed people with Alzheimer’s tend to be apathetic and irritable, with sleep disturbances, but they are less likely to feel guilty or suicidal than depressed people without Alzheimer’s.
Treatment
“A lot of the time, treating depression improves people’s quality of life.” “You might even notice a few improvements in their memory.” Depression is typically treated with medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may also help with anxiety and agitation.
Anxiety and Irritability
Emotional distress, excessive movement, aggression, disruptive irritability, and loss of inhibition are all symptoms of these conditions. Anxiety and agitation are more noticeable in the early stages of the disease as people begin to recognize their losses and the seriousness of the disease. Later in life, they may become anxious about being alone or abandoned, and any changes in their daily routine can also cause anxiety and agitation.
Treatment
Low doses of typical antipsychotic medications such as risperidone and olanzapine are the most commonly used treatment for anxiety and agitation. However, the medications may increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and death in the elderly. Meanwhile, anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam can cause dizziness and falls in the elderly. Antidepressants are frequently effective.Do Alzheimer’s make you mean? Learn more about it. Alexi Senior Living is best for depression and alzheimers care near me. You can contact us at 815-534-5389.
