In Dr. Calvin Hirsch’s opinion, both dementia and depression have a number of symptoms in common with one another and may even develop at the same time. On the other hand, the signs and symptoms of dementia may, in some instances, be mistaken for those of serious depression. The second condition is notoriously difficult to identify, particularly in cases when the patient in question has never been treated for any of the first two conditions. A specialized evaluation can be required if the patient is also experiencing apathy, which is a typical symptom that might be confusing. On the other hand, some people may have a negative cognitive style over the long term and place a significant amount of their informational trust in their family members.
Researchers have shown a correlation between a history of depression and an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease as well as vascular dementia. When someone has a history of depression, their risk of acquiring dementia almost doubles, and abnormalities in the hippocampus of depressed persons are connected with increased plaque development. An increased amount of the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, has been linked to depression.
The hippocampus has been through significant structural alterations as a result of exposure to stress. These alterations not only lower the volume of the hippocampus region but also hinder neurogenesis and neuronal development. Individuals who suffer from depression have lower amounts of BDNF, and antidepressant treatment is able to boost BDNF levels in these patients. Despite these differences, there is no evidence to suggest that depression and AD are both caused by the same illness. Strong connections exist between depression and dementia, despite the fact that neither its root cause nor its treatment has been isolated.
Depression in adults with dementia may be treated using a variety of methods, both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic, including medication. Make an appointment with your family doctor if you have any reason to believe that a member of your family suffers from one of these disorders. They will be able to provide recommendations for treatment plans that are tailored specifically to the requirements of your loved one. The following are some useful hints:
Dr. Calvin Hirsch pointed out that a sizeable number of epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between cognitive impairment and depression. The connection between these two clinical entities is a complicated one that is not yet entirely understood by researchers. However, psychological therapies provide a potentially fruitful course of action. There is just a little amount of data to back up the usefulness of these tactics. In the meantime, there is no general agreement on the best course of action to take in each circumstance. It is not known if treatment is the most effective method for each individual patient. The therapy of depression, on the other hand, has been shown to successfully postpone the development of dementia in many individuals, which is an essential fact to keep in mind.
Common antidepressants used to treat dementia and depression include mirtazapine, fluoxetine, citalopram, and sertraline. Antidepressants are sometimes known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Antidepressants, on the other hand, might have adverse effects and their efficacy varies from patient to patient. They could make it easier to fall asleep and rev up your hunger. There is also the potential for adverse drug interactions. Additionally, antidepressants might create adverse effects that impair a patient's ability to operate normally in their daily lives.
Apathy, which may be defined as a lack of interest, drive, or tenacity, is one of the most prevalent symptoms of dementia. Apathy is a typical adverse effect of some drugs, despite the fact that depression is a major negative effect of many antidepressants. Apathy is not connected to feelings of depression or thoughts of ending one's life. Apathy is a possible symptom that your elderly loved one is experiencing as a result of the dementia they have. It is essential to have a conversation with the family physician if the individual seems depressed and has intense emotional responses to events that occur on a daily basis.
Other signs of depression include a lack of appetite, a difficulty to focus, and a diminished interest in participating in activities. People who have dementia may also experience changes in their appetite or lose interest in the activities that they formerly enjoyed. People who are depressed often sleep too much or exhibit indications of agitation or restlessness. Sleeping too much may be a sign of depression. They could also be more readily agitated than other people. These are only some of the warning symptoms of depression in persons who have dementia, but there are many more. A loved one who is afflicted with dementia may be experiencing depression, which may be diagnosed by a medical professional.
According to Dr. Calvin Hirsch, numerous restrictions have prevented researchers from making progress in their investigation of the common pathways connecting depression and dementia. The correlational method is fraught with several difficulties. Studies that look at correlations do not always provide evidence of a causal relationship, and the directionality conundrum cannot be answered. Ethical issues place constraints on experimental research conducted on people, and studies conducted using animal models do not adequately represent human disease. In spite of this, the study could provide light on a few different therapeutic possibilities.
Individuals who were born between 15 and 39 years ago have been studied to see whether or not there is a correlation between mental illnesses and dementia. It is not quite known whether or not the risk variables can be altered. It is possible that psychiatric randomized trials may protect against dementia; however, more research with a longer follow-up period is required to verify this conclusion. For the time being, it is feasible to take preventative measures against dementia by using mental medicine. In addition, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the dangers connected with the different mental diseases since it is possible that these problems might be improved.