By Amy Hoffmann Schenk, RN, BSN, MS Ed, Community Engagement Lead Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SW Florida
Do you or someone you know experience times when you do not enjoy activities or interests as much as you have in the past?
Have you had sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating or feelings of low energy and fatigue?
While it is important not to assume what is happening, sometimes these can be symptoms of depression or even early memory concerns. How do you know what is causing your feelings? What are some of the signs to look for?
If you are having some of the symptoms noted, it is very important for you to see your health care provider. Take notes on when you are having these concerns. There are many things that may need to be addressed from a health perspective, and consulting with your provider is step one. Sometimes the signs of depression can look like some of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Guessing about what is going on or consulting “Dr. Google” is not the most effective approaches.
In 2024, October 10th is National Depression screening day. There are simple and quick tools your health care provider can use to identify if your symptoms are due to depression. As the National Institute of Aging notes, depression can impact the way you think, feel and act. While depression can occur as we age, it is not a normal part of aging. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that between 1 – 5 % of adults in the general community may be depressed. The numbers rise for older adults who are hospitalized to around 11.5% and the impact is even greater for older adults who need home health care, or around 13.5%. There are a number of potential causes and risk factors for depression as we age. Chronic medical conditions, decreased mobility and functional ability, and chronic pain can all be contributing factors. Social isolation, loneliness, and stress, including caregiver stress, are also risk factors.
Here are some common signs of depression. Persistent sadness, feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness, changes in appetite and recurring thoughts of death are examples of symptoms that should be checked out. Additional signs include apathy, lack of interest in activities or events that were previously enjoyed, fatigue, low energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and slower speech or movement. The last seven symptoms may also be early signs of Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Since symptoms can overlap, it’s essential to be screened to know the difference.
Can people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, also have depression? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is estimated that up to 40% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease also have depression. As you can imagine, identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult. As outlined earlier, there is some overlap in symptoms.
What are the reasons that people do not choose to get a screening for depression? Interestingly, those reasons are similar to why people choose not to get screened for memory issues. The perceived stigma of mental health issues, as well as memory issues, can prevent people from seeking out diagnostic testing. Addressing the stigma of depression and dementia have some common approaches.
• Talk openly about the topic, be it memory loss or depression. These are medical issues not shameful conditions
• Use person centered, positive language such as a person living with dementia or depression instead of someone “suffering” from dementia or a “depressive” or depressed person
• Respond to misperceptions and misunderstandings with facts and credible resources, such as The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org and The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://www.nami.org/home
Last month, I introduced you to Lee Belanger, who is currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and is participating in a clinical trial at NPRC. I wanted to know her perspective on the barriers to getting screened, and this was her response:
“Denial and fear can get in the way. People can be afraid of receiving a diagnosis, and also may worry about possibly losing independence and control over personal decisions. Sometimes, people may know there is something wrong, but refuse to tell anyone, including their spouse or partner, their closest friend and/or their health care practitioner.”
If you are worried about changes in your memory, mood and/or others are noticing changes, it’s essential to contact your primary care provider for a health assessment. There are simple depression screenings that can be conducted in your health care provider’s office. If you are concerned about your memory, connect with the experienced team at the Neuropsychiatric Research center at 239-939-7777. We have a proven track record of helping individuals and families navigate memory related challenges. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. #MemoriesMatter.
NPRC
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