Dementia vs. Depression: Understanding Emotional and Cognitive Shifts
According to the National Council on Aging, between 1% and 5% of American seniors suffer from depression. About 4% contend with dementia.
If your loved one is showing signs of mental health problems or behavior changes, determining the root cause is likely a priority. However, depression and cognitive decline often present similarly.
Read on for a comprehensive run-down of dementia vs. depression so you can get appropriate help for an aging family member in Napa, CA.
Dementia vs. Depression: Basic Similarities and Differences
Both dementia and depression impact the mind and behavior. Though they may share some similarities, they are extremely distinct conditions.
Depression is a mood disorder. It does not indicate declining cognition. Those with depression retain their ability to think clearly and recall events.
Instead, they contend with:
- Bouts of excessive sadness
- Numb feelings
- Trouble concentrating
- A loss of interest in daily activities
- A lack of motivation
Those with dementia may also exhibit these characteristics. However, dementia is not a mood disorder. It's a form of cognitive decline.
Those with dementia will often struggle with:
- Both short-term and long-term memory
- Thinking clearly
- Assessing information
- Language skills
- Disorientation and confusion
Determining Depression vs Dementia
Seniors with changing mental functions and psychological capacities may struggle to determine whether dementia vs. depression is the root cause. Luckily, there are some ways to figure out the problem and find treatment.
If someone you love is experiencing behavior changes, consider their onset speed.
Depression often comes up suddenly. A life event frequently decreases emotional wellness in aging. Depression often crops up after:
- The death of a loved one
- A major life transition
- A loss of mobility
- Challenges with isolation and loneliness
Dementia has a gradual onset. It's progressive and worsens over time. You may not even notice that a loved one has dementia until it's in a later stage of development.
Memory Care Awareness
Those with depression are usually aware of themselves and what they're doing. They don't wander aimlessly and get lost. They're aware when their minds are cloudy.
Dementia patients lack self-awareness and often think they are fine. They don't understand their own memory challenges.
They may also engage in dementia wandering, or aimless wandering that can prove dangerous. Disorientation means that those with dementia struggle to get around or even understand daily activities.
If your loved one is frustrated with their memory problems or comments on them, they likely have depression. People with Alzheimer's are more likely to be indifferent to memory changes. After all, they don't notice them.
Memory Issues
People with depression and dementia often struggle with memory.
However, those with depression usually have variable memory problems. They may remember things well one day and have cloudy memories the next. The person experiencing memory impairment is aware that they aren't remembering things clearly.
On the flip side, dementia patients consistently struggle to remember things. They are also unaware that they are forgetful. This leads to disorientation and creates confusion.
Daily Function Impairment
Challenges with daily activities also come up for those with both conditions.
People with depression struggle to function because of a lack of energy. Having no motivation may make it challenging to even get out of bed. They may act numb or disassociate.
Those suffering from dementia will also struggle with daily functions, but the cause is confusion. They are likely to get out of bed and wander around, but they may get lost or struggle to complete tasks.
Variable Mood
Mood changes are also a core part of both depression and dementia.
Mood swings are more prominent in depression patients than in those with dementia. Senior mental health problems cause sadness and hopelessness. They can also cause irritability and agitation.
However, those with dementia may also experience mood swings. They often become agitated and aggressive rather than sad or hopeless. The mood swings will also be less frequent -- cognitive decline is the primary symptom.
Diagnostic Challenges
Similar symptoms may make it challenging to tell whether someone has depression or dementia. Worse, they also have a high co-occurrence rate.
A 2011 study in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice looked into how co-occurring dementia and depression look in elderly patients. Researchers determined that depression was a common co-morbidity for patients with multiple types of dementia.
This study is older, but mental health conditions are unchanging. Note that over time, the dementia-depression link has only proven stronger.
According to Penn Medicine in 2023, those with depression are twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia as their mentally healthy counterparts.
Studies show that depression, especially when diagnosed later in life, is a risk factor for dementia. Those who had multiple inpatient visits for depression over the course of their lives also have increased dementia risks.
Treating Depression vs Cognitive Decline
Only a medical professional can truly determine whether a patient is suffering from depression, dementia, or both. Once they do, treatment can begin.
Depression is usually treatable and can even be cured over time. Therapy and medications can benefit seniors struggling with mood disorders. This can help them regain motivation and enjoy their interests again.
Dementia is harder to treat. Unlike depression, cognitive decline is usually irreversible. The 'treatment' involves slowing the progression of dementia.
A memory care community is the best way to help your loved one with dementia thrive. These communities are led by professionals who are trained and experienced in working with those who have cognitive decline.
The Watermark at Napa Valley offers personalized attention to dementia patients. This support includes:
- Reminders about important activities and events
- Puzzles and games designed to boost cognitive function
- Reminiscence therapy to build memory and reopen neural pathways
- Mindful meal planning that gives diners cognition boosting nutrients
Boost Overall Wellness With Senior Living in Napa
Now that you know how to distinguish between dementia vs. depression, it's time to look into additional support for your loved one.
The Watermark at Napa Valley is perfect for California seniors from all walks of life. We offer several living choices, including both assisted living and memory care.
Our amenities include a fitness center and a rooftop terrace garden, so contact us to schedule a tour and get a feel for community life!