It is no secret that depression can resemble dementia. The question is, how can we differentiate the two?
Dementia and depression share common features. Researchers have found that people who become depressed later in life have a 70% increased risk of developing dementia (www.health.harvard.edu). Dementia in older adults is steadily increasing, along with emotional problems like stress and anxiety. These emotional problems can lead to forgetfulness, confusion, and other symptoms that look like depression. Many older adults develop memory problems from health issues, or side effects of medications, vitamin deficiencies, or even substance abuse. Cognitive issues related to these areas may be treatable.
What is dementia? This is not a specific disease, but a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two cognitive brain functions like memory loss and judgment. A few types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Symptoms of dementia include memory loss that affects daily functioning, difficulty planning and problem-solving, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images, problems with words in speaking or writing, poor judgment, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in mood or personality.
If it is depression, a behavioral health issue is causing the person to feel continued sadness. They lose interest in everyday things. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health disorders. Seeking help can significantly improve a person’s life. Some depression signs and symptoms are: Trouble concentrating, remembering detail, persistent fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. If it is depression, getting treatment can improve memory, concentration, and energy. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, staying active, being socially engaged, exercise, and controlling stress levels are all important to one’s emotional health.
Depression vs. Dementia
A person with depression will likely recognize if they are having memory problems, whereas someone with dementia may be less likely to notice the decline. Depression, confusion, or forgetfulness can come on suddenly, whereas dementia typically causes a slow cognitive decline. People who are depressed know who they are speaking with, what day and time it is, and where they are. People with dementia are impaired in these matters. Depressed people use language correctly, though they may speak slowly at times. However, someone with dementia has many language issues such as difficulty remembering someone’s name or the name of certain objects.
Both depression and dementia are unique to the individual and vary case by case. Whether memory loss or cognitive decline is caused by depression or dementia it’s important to seek a medical workup first and then see a neuropsychologist who will administer a neuropsychological examination, who will then be able to list the thinking problems and behavioral changes and make the case whether it’s dementia vs. depression.
For more helpful tips on how you can help your loved ones who are dealing with dementia or depression, give us a call for a consult and put the question to rest.
Robert B. Sica, PhD, ABN
Board Certified, Neuropsychology
Principal, Director of Training