How to Identify Depression in Alzheimer's Disease

Do you know how to tell if someone with dementia is depressed? Depression in someone with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia might look a little different than depression in someone whose memory and communication abilities are functioning well. Knowing the signs is important. In addition to the more obvious effects of depression such as sadness and a lack of interest in people and things around you, depression can also increase confusion and masquerade as delirium. There are a couple of screenings that are commonly used to determine if someone with dementia is experiencing depression. One is the Cornell Screen for Depression in Dementia. This screening test evaluates some of the physical and emotional signs of depression, such as appetite, weight loss, and mood. The Cornell Screen is used frequently in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer's because it allows for a caregiver or family member, as well as the person, to answer the screening questions. Another common screen for depression is the Geriatric Depression Scale. The GDS, while not specifically designed for people with dementia, can be an effective way to test for depression in older adults without any dementia as well as those with dementia in the early stages. For further information and research findings, here are the complete articles: The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia The Geriatric Depression Scale Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression in Dementia Treatment of Depression in DementiaHow t...
Source: About Alzheimers Disease - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news