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Category: Health News

Rochester, Minnesota - Early Alzheimer's disease and depression share many symptoms, so it can be hard - even for doctors - to distinguish between the disorders. Plus, many people with Alzheimer's disease also are depressed.

Just as treatment is important for people with depression alone, it's equally crucial for people with Alzheimer's disease and depression to get treatment for their depression.

People who have both Alzheimer's and depression may find it easier to cope with the changes caused by Alzheimer's when they feel less depressed.

Similar symptoms

Some of the symptoms common to both Alzheimer's and depression include:

With so much overlap in symptoms, it can be hard to tell the difference between the two disorders, especially since they often occur together. A thorough physical exam and psychological evaluation can be helpful in making a diagnosis.

But, many people with more advanced Alzheimer's disease may not be able to express how they feel.

Signposts for depression

To detect depression in people who have Alzheimer's disease, doctors must rely more heavily on nonverbal cues and caregiver reports than on self-reported symptoms. If a person with Alzheimer's displays one of the first two symptoms in this list, along with at least two of the others within a two-week period, he or she may be depressed.

Depression in Alzheimer's disease can be different too

People with Alzheimer's may experience depression differently from that of people without Alzheimer's. For example, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease:

Scientists aren't sure of the exact relationship between Alzheimer's disease and depression. The biological changes caused by Alzheimer's may intensify a predisposition to depression.

On the other hand, depression may increase the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.

It's clear that depression has a strong effect on quality of life for people with Alzheimer's disease. Depression can lead to:

Treatment options

Several options are available to treat people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and depression:

Making the diagnosis of depression in people with Alzheimer's disease and getting appropriate treatment can help make life easier and more enjoyable for both the person with Alzheimer's and his or her caregivers.