Senior Helpers points out differences between late-life depression and dementia

This Father’s Day, thousands of local families will come home to find that Dad has lost his usual “spark.”  He’s sad and sluggish. He’s not himself and he’s forgetting things. Is it depression or dementia?  The two health issues are often confusing to diagnose and difficult to distinguish.
 
 
That’s why Senior Helpers, a national in-home senior care company with a location in Lexington, is working to raise awareness about the difference between depression and dementia and offer solutions for families.
 

“When people are depressed, they can have difficulty concentrating, which usually leads to forgetfulness. For this reason, many families may immediately think Dad has dementia,” says Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “Instead of jumping to conclusions, we suggest providing Dad with an in-home caregiver, even if it’s just for a few hours a day. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give him this Father’s Day because our caregivers are trained in dementia care – they can help families notice classic signs of dementia vs. depression. Caregivers also provide critical companionship at a time when Dad may feel lonelier than he’s letting on.”

The difference between dementia and depression
 

10 Warning Signs of Depression:
 

1. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt 

2. Feeling worthless

3. Irritability, restlessness

4. No longer interested in activities or hobbies they used to enjoy

5. Fatigue and decreased energy

6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

7. Insomnia, waking early in the morning or excessive sleeping

8. Overeating or loss of appetite

9. Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

10. Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment
 

10 Warning Signs of Dementia:
 
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

2. Difficulty planning or solving problems

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

4. Confusion with time or place

5. Trouble understanding visual images

6. Developing new problems with words while speaking or writing

7. Misplacing things – trouble re-tracing steps

8. Decreased or poor judgment

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

10. Changes in mood and personality
 

“Elderly men can suffer from deep depression, dementia or a physical ailment but are often the last to ask for help,” says Ross. “Plus, they often delay treatment for depression because they think they have dementia. We want to raise awareness about these two diseases so families are prepared to address any concerns they notice this Father’s Day.”
 

From Senior Helpers