Experts estimate that up to 40 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease suffer from significant depression. Identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer's can be difficult, since dementia can cause some of the same symptoms. Examples of symptoms common to both depression and dementia include: Apathy.
Depression. Between 40 and 50 percent of people with Alzheimer's experience depression, Nelson says, compared with about 7 percent of the general population. The high incidence is related both to changes in the brain from the disease and, at least early in the disease, the shock of diagnosis.
Set realistic goals and focus on what you can do today. Set realistic expectations for yourself and use the skills you have to be successful in dealing with challenging tasks. Some tasks may become too difficult for you to complete even with reminder aids. Reduce stress by asking family or friends for help, if needed.
People with dementia often experience changes in their emotional responses. They may have less control over their feelings and how to express them. For example, someone may overreact to things, have rapid mood changes or feel irritable. They may also appear unusually distant or uninterested in things.
People living with dementia, however, can experience an absence of interest in or concern about emotional, social, spiritual, philosophical or physical life. They may become depressed or withdrawn and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Sometimes, they may lose the ability to control their emotions.
According to the United Kingdom Alzheimer's Society Dementia 2012 Report, 61% of people with dementia felt lonely, and 77% were depressed or anxious.
A person with dementia can experience a series of personality changes. Depending on the type of dementia, these changes include a lack of empathy. This can mean not understanding people's feelings as well as sharing in those feelings.
People with dementia can still have nice feelings too. They can feel happy, safe and calm. Some people with dementia may seem like their usual self a lot of the time and you may only notice small changes every now and then. Some people with dementia may not have as many good days.
When a person is diagnosed with dementia they may not understand or accept their diagnosis. They may also have limited or no awareness of their symptoms and the difficulties they are having, even when these are obvious to those around them.
"Frequent visits and social interactions, exercise, music, dance, jokes, and serving patients their favorite foods are all simple things that can have a lasting emotional impact on a patient's quality of life and subjective well-being."
I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
Stimulating activities can help keep them in high spirits and prevent them from developing depression, whilst lessening anxiety and irritability. Activities should aim to: Stir memories and allow them to reminisce about their life. Foster emotional connections with others – contact with others is vital.
As Alzheimer's progresses, your loved one may start to behave differently. They may feel sad and cry more often. Crying about little things is common in certain types of dementia because those little things affect areas of the brain that control emotions.
People can survive for years or even decades with Alzheimer's dementia — and there are steps they can take to make the most of that time. With the assistance of caregivers when necessary, they can find comfort and purpose in the everyday and live on their own terms for as long as possible.
Alzheimer's patients can experience fluctuating personality changes, becoming extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member. We all become sad or moody from time to time.
The average life expectancy figures for the most common types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years.
Lying to dementia patients can be the right way to care for them because: They don't remember the truth and repeatedly telling them or insisting on facts will only cause them distress and pain, especially when it comes to something emotional.
As the disease progresses, some people will want to be touched more and more such as wanting to hold your hand, having their arm rubbed or giving hugs. Even though the individual may not remember day-to-day details, that doesn't mean they forget emotions and the feelings associated with them.
In addition, individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias frequently become unable to appreciate other people's feelings or needs as sensitively as they once did. As a result, they can seem “selfish” or “self-centered”, and uncaring about other peoples' needs or feelings.
Hearing can be the last sense that a person loses at death. This shows that you care and shows respect. If family are at their loved one's bedside, stay with the person when the relative has a break, and again hold the person's hand. The care team would need to plan how you can provide this kind of one-to-one support.
Common personality and behavior changes you may see include: Getting upset, worried, and angry more easily. Acting depressed or not interested in things. Hiding things or believing other people are hiding things.
Being a caregiver can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's or a related dementia takes time and effort. It can feel lonely and frustrating. You might even feel angry, which could be a sign you are trying to take on too much.
Difficult feelings may lead a person to withdraw
Withdrawing from other people can be a way of dealing with difficult emotions such as anger, sadness or fear. These sorts of feelings can be triggered by negative experiences, such as being undermined or patronised.