Tommy explains the importance of being aware of the danger of depression or anxiety in dementia.
Hi Tommy reporting.
When the pandemic is over family carers are going to need respite. (inaudible) can lead to a serious depression.
Why do people assume that most care giving is always the stress of hands on care will go away.
Since dementia can cause some of the symptoms, identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer`s can be difficult.
Symptoms that are common to both dementia and depression include trouble concentrating, loss of interest in activities and hobbies, impaired thinking , apathy, social withdrawal and isolation, which given the current covid nineteen pandemic we are experiencing now, feeds the symptoms as people living with dementia are even more withdrawn and isolated from society.
The cognitive impairment experienced by people with Alzheimer`s often makes it difficult for us to articulate our sadness, hopelessness, guilt and other feelings associated with depression. Although with the senses usually associated with depression such as guilt, suicidal thought and low self esteem are not as common.
If you are worried about a person with dementia and depression talk to the doctor to determine whether medical treatment or counseling is wanted. It is important when evaluating the doctor is familiar with what depression looks like when it is compared with dementia.
Anxiety maybe due to difficulty processing information and experiences both new and old.
New places and faces maybe upsetting for individuals with dementia especially as their memories of familiar places and faces fade away.
After lock down we will be going into a totally different world. Some people living with dementia respond to anxiety by patient, too familiar objects or individuals, experience insomnia or restlessness.
As a carer you will need to reassure them, remind them how much they care. Carers may find it helpful in peaceful and distracting activities that they might want to focus on instead of worrying.
You can guarantee that the person with dementia will sometimes have mood swings because they are frustrated by their loss of abilities, but this can be just because they are scared, confused or tired. Mood swings often occur because an individual has pain, is too hot or cold, is only bored.
Dementia may lower a persons inhibitions or falter due to brain seizures when it comes to expressing emotions resulting in an increase in angry outbursts.
Try to accept that mood swings are caused by dementia and not the individual purposely acting up.
End of report.
