How Can You Tell if a Senior with Dementia Is Depressed?

It’s difficult for an aging adult with dementia to tell you much about what’s going on with her, but the possibility is that she’s facing issues such as depression. But how can you know for sure?

Senior Care Lexington NC – How Can You Tell if a Senior with Dementia Is Depressed?

Depression or Dementia?

Depression and dementia often occur together. Your elderly family member may already have a propensity toward depression, but dealing with the changes that dementia brings can also be depressing for her.

The problem in distinguishing between the two can be that the symptoms are very similar. Both can include:

• Loss of interest in regular activities
• Withdrawing socially and isolating
• Having trouble concentrating

Also, depression itself is slightly different for people who have dementia. The symptoms may come and go more often and they may be milder than they would be without the added complication of dementia.

Your Aging Family Member Might Not Be Able to Tell You She’s Depressed

Due to the complications that dementia creates for your elderly family member, she may not even be able to tell you how she’s feeling. This is why knowing her typical responses and behaviors can be so very important. Being able to spot changes helps you know when it might be time to get some extra help.

Talk to Your Senior’s Doctor

If you suspect at all that your aging adult might be dealing with depression, be sure to mention it to her doctor. Diagnosing depression in an elderly family member who has dementia involves looking at a variety of different factors including her family history, an exam, and talking to you and other people who spend a lot of time with your senior.

Try a Few Different Solutions

Once diagnosed, you have more options than you might think. Medication is always an option, of course, but you might want to wait to try it to see if other solutions provide results. This can especially be important if your elderly family member already takes a great many medications. Beyond that, you can add exercise to her routine, help your aging adult connect to other people, and even consider counseling.

Watch for Your Own Signs of Depression

It’s important to note that you are also at a greater risk of depression as your elderly family member’s caregiver. Staying in tune with your own self-care helps to leave you in a better position to care for your senior. Take respite time when you can, either with the help of senior care providers or other family members.

Remember that this is a process and that you and your aging adult are going to make as much progress as you can.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.