Dementia and Depression : An Overview

Introduction:

Are dementia and depression the same? It's a common question! While they share some symptoms, they are distinct conditions. Dementia is a loss of memory, thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. It is caused by various underlying diseases or conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Depression is a constant sadness that affects a person's day-to-day activities. Both are commonly noted in the older age group of 60 years and above.

Dementia and depression require different treatment approaches. Hence, it is essential to diagnose them carefully. Some patients might have both. Treatment for depression is more promising than treatment for dementia. The physiological functions of all the vital organs in the body, including the brain, peak in their thirties and then start to decrease in their sixties to about 60 % to 80 %. A decrease in the brain's weight is also noted at 60 years of age and above. As we age, the risk of conditions like dementia and depression increases. Let's explore why.

How Depression Can Lead to Dementia?

Now, you might wonder - Can depression cause dementia? It is difficult to determine how depression might lead to dementia. For individuals with dementia, difficulties in living with dementia lead to sadness and despair. Several studies suggest that individuals with depression and depressive symptoms in their early ages are at risk of developing dementia in their later life.

What do you think will be the causing factors that link both conditions? Here you go. Some of the biological factors that link depression to dementia include -

• Elevated levels of a stress hormone.

• Inflammation of the brain causes damage to parts of the brain, leading to dementia.

• Imbalance in chemical substances in the brain that regulate emotions.

• Poor blood supply to the brain.

Individuals with dementia are at high risk of developing depression. However, it can affect anyone. Some factors that induce depression in individuals affected with dementia are -

• Isolation from society.

• Tiredness.

• Lack of sunlight exposure.

• Side effects of medicine.

• Anxiety that comes with the diagnosis of dementia.

Depression vs. Dementia

1. Overlapping Symptoms:

Do you know that depression and dementia have some similar symptoms? Even though they are different conditions, some of the overlapping symptoms are -

• Loss of interest.

• Apathy.

• Trouble making decisions.

• Agitation.

• Irritability.

• Changes in sleep

• Loss of appetite.

Due to these similar symptoms, it is not easy to identify which one is causing the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose them correctly to manage them better.

2. Key Differences Between the Two:

• Patients suffering from depression are more likely to bring their problems to their doctor's attention, whereas patients with dementia might be unaware of them. In addition, certain patients should be screened for pseudodementia, where patients suffer cognitive impairment along with depression.

• Early stages of dementia can easily be neglected as they correspond to the signs of aging. Still, clinical signs to diagnose dementia are missed appointments, inability to follow given instructions, poor hygiene, and poor grooming.

• Depression can be diagnosed as a more chronic low-mood state with or without cognitive decline.

• The onset duration for depression is weeks to months, whereas, for dementia, it is months to years.

• The mood is always low in depression and fluctuates in dementia.

• Depression is chronic and responds to treatment, but dementia is chronic and deteriorates over time.

Managing Depression and Dementia Together:

Treatment for depression depends on the duration and the severity of the condition. Also, it is difficult to treat depression in individuals with dementia. This is because, if you have dementia, you will find it difficult to recollect and concentrate, thus making talk therapies challenging. However, people with mild dementia may benefit from talk therapies.

If you have a milder form of depression, joining a support group or engaging in activities that interest you will help overcome depression. Support groups will help you communicate with individuals who are experiencing the same and share your emotions with them.

If you have severe depression, your physician will prescribe medications like antidepressants to manage the symptoms of depression. Also, you will be suggested to go for psychotherapy or talk therapy. You may find discussing with the therapist helpful because it helps you understand your thoughts and emotions.

Dementia is a slowly progressing disorder that has no complete cure. Still, we can slow the disease's progress and reduce the severity of symptoms by medications and starting specific therapies. The medications for dementia are Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications have proven to improve symptoms of dementia-like improvement in the patient's memory and daily activities like bathing, eating, and hygiene. Cognitive stimulation therapy also helps individuals with mild to moderate dementia to improve their memory, problem-solving skills, and communication. Behavioral symptoms should be addressed with proper therapies.

Psychological therapies, apart from medications, offer additional support to the patient and their families.

Alternate therapy for depression: You must discuss with your physician if you want to follow any alternate therapies to manage depression. It includes aromatherapy, massage, and light therapy. Some of the alternate therapies may cross-react with standard treatments, so it is always necessary to discuss them with your physician.

When to seek professional help?

Whether you experience both conditions together or separately, symptoms should be assessed by a physician. Below are some early signs of depression and dementia that indicate the necessity to meet a physician.

Dementia symptoms:

Are you aware that symptoms of dementia differ between individuals? Yes, it is. You may not experience symptoms similar to those shared by another person. Initially, the symptoms are mild, but as time passes, they become severe.

Some of the noticeable symptoms are -

• Increased memory loss.

• Difficulty in problem-solving.

• Difficulty in speech.

• Dementia-related mood changes (depression and anxiety).

• Difficulty in mobility.

Depression Symptoms:

Do you know there exists a big difference between sadness and depression? Depression causes emotional changes that last for more than two weeks, but sadness is a temporary change in emotion that is present for a short time. Also, sadness is a change in mood, whereas depression is a mood disorder.

Some of the depressive symptoms are -

• Tiredness.

• Difficulty to focus.

• Low energy levels.

• Sleeping too much or less.

• Hopelessness.

• Loss of interest in activities.

• Loss of appetite.

• Weight loss or gain.

• Self-harm

Conclusion:

Depression and dementia are linked together. Several studies have revealed if you experience depression in your early life, your risk of developing dementia at the later stages is high. Individuals with dementia experience depression as a symptom. If you're concerned about symptoms of dementia or depression, don't hesitate to reach out to a physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.

Keynote From iCliniq:

Depression and dementia are interconnected. Some of the factors that link depression to dementia are brain inflammation, poor blood supply to the brain, and an increase in stress hormones. If you experience any symptoms related to depression or dementia, consult a physician to diagnose and treat the condition. Proper treatment will help improve your standard of living.