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Depression

Dealing with depression in a person with dementia

Depression can be common in a person with dementia. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the US, some 30% of people with Alzheimer’s disease can have depression, and over 40% of those with Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases may experience it.

It can sometimes be difficult to identify depression in a person with dementia, as some of the symptoms of dementia can be similar. In fact, dementia can often be misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.

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What is depression?

Depression is simply when a person has been feeling very low for a long time. The person may lack motivation to carry out normal daily tasks and activities.

A person with dementia may be depressed due to their dementia diagnosis. They may be depressed because they are unable to maintain their independence or do all the things they used to enjoy. Supporting the person to maintain their hobbies and interests where possible is therefore crucial and can help to boost their mood.

In addition, a person with a history of depression is more likely to become depressed when they receive a dementia diagnosis.

The challenges a person faces when they have dementia can cause them to feel depressed. Signs of depression in a person with dementia can include:

  • Being agitated

  • Fidgeting

  • Needing reassurance

  • Being irritable

  • Being emotional and tearful

However, some of these symptoms are symptoms of dementia, so depression can be hard to diagnose.

If you feel that the person with dementia may have depression, speak to their family about your concerns or encourage them to seek help from their GP.

Their GP should ask them about their low mood, how long they have had it and what triggers negative feelings.

While there is no substitute for medical advice, and the person should seek help from their GP, there are things you can do that may help improve the person’s mood.

Ensuring the person has things to do that bring them pleasure, such as walking, dancing, listening to music or admiring plants in the garden, for instance, may help.

Ensuring that your care matches what the person needs - you may be on hand to help with household chores and personal care, but the person may also want to just sit with you sometimes and have company. If the person wants to talk, or watch TV with you, then try to accommodate their wishes.