continued:

Alzheimer's or depression: Could it be both?

Alzheimer's disease with depression is different

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

  • May have symptoms of depression that are less severe
  • May experience episodes of depression that don't last as long or come back as frequently
  • Talk of suicide and attempt suicide less often
  • May experience hallucinations or delusions

Scientists aren't sure of the exact relationship between Alzheimer's disease and depression. Some research has found that the biological changes caused by Alzheimer's may intensify a predisposition to depression. Other studies suggest that the presence of depression may increase your 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:

  • Faster cognitive decline
  • Greater disability involving daily living skills
  • Increased dependence on caregivers
  • Earlier placement in nursing homes

Treatment options

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

  • Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — for example, citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft) — are the first antidepressants used for people who have depression and Alzheimer's because of the low risk of side effects and drug interactions. However, these medications may not be as effective at treating depression with Alzheimer's as they are at treating depression alone. Other antidepressants, such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) or bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin, others), also may be used.
  • Physical exercise. Regular physical exercise, particularly in the morning, may help ease the symptoms of depression.
  • Support groups and counseling. Support groups and professional counseling may help people with depression in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, before their communication skills deteriorate.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy. Some people with depression and dementia don't respond to other treatments. In many of these cases, electroconvulsive therapy can help relieve symptoms of severe depression. This procedure delivers electricity to the brain for a few seconds to deliberately trigger a brief seizure.

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

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References
  1. Modrego PJ. Depression in Alzheimer's disease: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2010;21:1077.
  2. Depression and Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_depression.asp. Accessed May 10, 2012.
  3. Press D, et al. Treatment of behavioral symptoms related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed May 10, 2012.
  4. Espinoza RT, et al. Diagnosis and management of late-life depression. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed May 10, 2012.
  5. Porta-Etassam J. Depression in patients with moderate Alzheimer disease: A prospective observational cohort study. Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Disorders. 2011;25:317.
  6. Rosenberg PB, et al. Sertraline for the treatment of depression in Alzheimer's disease. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2010;18:136.
HQ00212 June 26, 2012

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