There are many people who have questions when it pertains to dementia. There is still so much that doctors and researchers simply don’t know about these various brain diseases, including the causes and potential cures. One question that seems to come up a lot when it pertains to senior care and dementia is whether or not depression could be a potential cause of the disease.
This is generally brought up by family members who see their loved ones as having dealt with depression for a long time and who end up being diagnosed as having some form of dementia.
It’s a good question to have because it indicates that the elderly individual’s family is paying attention to them and their emotional or mental health. However, there is no real link with regard to depression leading to dementia.
The connection, or correlation, however, does run along the opposite track.
Dementia can, and often does, lead to some level of depression in patients.
A person who is diagnosed with dementia will ultimately experience a number of symptoms in the months and years following the diagnosis. One of them will be depression.
Depression is caused by a number of factors and it doesn’t mean that every single person who is diagnosed with dementia, whether it’s Alzheimer’s or another form of the disease, will experience depression. However, when faced with such a daunting challenge in the future, and with the prospect of losing mental function and acuity, it’s more likely that the patient will feel depressed as a result.
The most important thing that family members of individuals who have been diagnosed with depression do is to be aware of the possibility that they will experience depression in the wake of this diagnosis. Be looking for signs that the individual could be depressed.
Are they withdrawing from the things that they used to enjoy?
Do they talk to people around them less often?
Do they tend to keep things to themselves more now?
Do they sleep a lot more than usual?
These are all signs that depression could be taking hold. When you notice some of these issues arise, then you might want to call on the assistance of senior health care services. This could be a caregiver who would come to the individual’s home or outpatient counseling services.
Do not let someone who you believe could be depressed linger or struggle on their own. Step up and do what you can to help. When it comes to senior care, depression, and dementia, sometimes it’s the love that we offer that can make a world of difference.
For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain living independently in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are an elder agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
- Four Providers Who Ease the Stress of Caring for a Chronically Ill Loved One - October 29, 2024
- Therapies Seniors May Need After a Stroke - October 22, 2024
- Keeping Psoriatic Arthritis from Triggering Other Issues - October 15, 2024
