Depression in People with Dementia: What It Looks Like and What You Can Do

Not sure if your loved one with dementia is experiencing depression? Want to help a senior in your life with dementia who may be suffering from depression? Wondering what you can do about depression in someone with dementia?

Losing grip on your mental sharpness and memories can be enough to make anyone feel depressed. When depression becomes a serious issue in someone with dementia, it’s important to act fast before it takes a serious toll. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and how to combat depression in people with dementia. 

Symptoms:

Because there may be other things going on with their health, mood, and behavior, it can be difficult to detect depression in someone with dementia. You can be on the lookout for serious symptoms like social withdrawal and isolation, loss of appetite, fatigue, and expressions of hopelessness or despair. 

Treatment:

Addressing depression in people with dementia can include group or one-on-one therapy or chemical treatment. There are other things you can do on a daily basis to help keep depression at bay! Regular activity—mental, physical, and social—can significantly decrease depression. Try and take walks, play games, and even volunteer on a regular schedule to make a real difference in the life of someone with dementia and depression. 

Depression is a serious topic, and if you suspect someone is suffering, you should speak to a doctor or caretaker immediately. If you have more questions about decreasing depression in someone with dementia or about memory care in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, our family shares life with yours.

3 Kinds of Activity to Decrease Depression in Seniors with Dementia

Need ideas to help a senior in your life stay active and relieve depression? Not sure how being active can work for a senior in your life who needs help with depression? Running short on ideas for activities for a senior struggling with depression?

Depression is a heavy burden for anyone struggling under its weight, but for a senior with dementia, depression can quickly deteriorate their quality of life. A great way to combat depression in someone with dementia is to keep them active. But if someone is already struggling with advanced age and dementia, you might have a hard time. 

Luckily, as experts in memory care in Ann Arbor, we can guide you in the right direction to helping someone with dementia who may be battling depression. Check out our tips below!

Physical Activity:

Exercise and physical activity have a positive effect on your mood. Regular physical activity is a great way to decrease depression in people with dementia. 

If a daily walk is too much for the person you’re trying to help, start any regimen, no matter how small, every day. Their strength will quickly improve and it will be exciting for both of you!

Mental Activity:

When you think of “activity” you probably automatically think something physical. But engaging in mental activities can be incredibly effective for people with dementia who are fighting depression, especially if mobility is a challenge. 

Mental activities could be simple daily tasks, puzzles, reading, games, or even a conversation. Schedule regular mental activities at a time of day when the person is usually at their sharpest so they can get the most out of it. 

Social Activity:

Remaining socially active with dementia is crucial for minimizing the risk and symptoms of depression. Staying engaged with friends, family, and the community in any way will be a big help. 

Maintain involvement in the family with household tasks, outings, or regular visits. Make sure they have access and attend events or social gatherings appropriate for them. And consider volunteer opportunities they would be well suited for. 

When you want to help someone fighting dementia and depression, it can feel like too big of a mountain to climb. But small changes to their daily routine can make a big difference in quality of life. If you have more questions about decreasing depression in someone with dementia or about memory care in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, our family shares life with yours.