According to the World Health Organisation, depression is ‘characterised by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities’.

It’s a common mental health condition affecting more that 264 million people worldwide.

It is estimated that between 20-60% of people with dementia will develop depression.

The links between depression and dementia are complex due to overlapping neurological changes in the brain, combined with situational factors such as multiple losses.

Some people will have a lifelong history of depression, whilst others will have their first experience of depression prior to or after a diagnosis of dementia.

There is growing evidence that late onset depression may be an early pre-cursor symptom of dementia.

If someone is depressed, their symptoms will be persistent for weeks or months.

• Sad, tearful
• Irritable, agitated, restless
• Guilt
• Low self-worth/esteem
• Hopeless, despairing

• No motivation
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Withdrawn, avoiding social events
• Feeling tired all the time
• Restless
• Changes to appetite
• Changes to libido
• Self harm

• Poor concentration
• Difficulty making decisions
• Poor recall/memory
• Negative thinking pattern

While it can be common for someone with dementia to also have depression, there are differences in symptoms.

If the person you care for is experiencing persistent symptoms of depression, speak to your GP. There can be all kinds of reasons that they may be experiencing symptoms. It’s important to have a thorough assessment to rule out physical causes and/or diet/lifestyle factors that could be contributing.