As we age, we often become more forgetful. While we understand that this is just a normal part of getting older, some fear that forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. However, depression in seniors is steadily growing, which can lead to forgetfulness, confusion and other symptoms that are similar to those of dementia.
Depression and dementia are common disorders in senior citizens but diagnosing them without the input from a healthcare professional can be extremely difficult. The two diagnoses often share the same or similar signs and symptoms such as those listed below:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, tearfulness
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Reduced or increased appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, and recalling recent information
What is depression?
According to the Mayo Clinic*, depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. However, due to a change in physical abilities, depression in older adults is often more difficult to recognize. Oftentimes, sadness is not their main symptom. They may have less obvious indicators of depression, including feeling tired or grumpy, having trouble sleeping and feelings of confusion. Those who have suffered severe medical conditions—such as heart disease, stroke or even cancer—will often show signs of depression.
What is dementia?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association**, dementia is an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Dementia is often progressive, meaning symptoms start out slowly and gradually get worse. People with dementia suffer from at least two of the following symptoms:
- Memory loss
- Communication and language impairment
- Inability to focus and pay attention
- Weakened reasoning and judgment
- Impaired visual perception
If you notice a change in your aging parents, spouse or partner don’t ignore it. The first step is to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. There are a series of screening tools that can be administered by a qualified healthcare professional to help formulate an accurate diagnosis. The next step is to think about ways for improving their quality of life. A total lifestyle change may be necessary, such as moving to an assisted living or memory care community. The decision to move into an assisted living or memory care facility is a difficult one, but knowing your loved ones are being taken care of and are in a safe environment gives peace of mind to everyone involved.
The Lodge Lane community provides assisted living, respite care and a secure Memory Care Neighborhood for those with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The clinical team works closely with physicians, family and the resident to provide individualized quality care
Each of the private apartments offer spacious, private bath with walk-in showers equipped with grab bars and emergency call alerts. The beautifully appointed common areas and outdoor patio space acts as an extension of the resident’s apartment.
Lodge Lane welcomes residents of all faiths while celebrating Jewish traditions, culture and values. Both kosher and non-kosher meal options are available in elegant dining rooms.
Kutz Senior Living Campus is home to both Lodge Lane Assisted Living & Memory Care along with Kutz Rehabilitation & Nursing. Together, the two buildings share 11 acres of beautifully sprawling grounds where seniors can receive short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care services. Located on the parklands within the quaint town of Bellefonte of Northern Delaware, Kutz Senior Living Campus is Wilmington’s best kept secret.
One can truly appreciate the beauty and warmth of the community by seeing it in person. Please stop by or contact Lodge Lane at (302) 757-8100 to learn why the residents are pleased to call Lodge Lane home. Or visit our website https://www.lodgelane.org/ for more information.
Lodge Lane Assisted Living
1221 Lodge Lane, Wilmington, Del., 19809
Phone: (302) 757-8100
www.lodgelane.org
Email: info@lodgelane.org
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*(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007)
**(https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia)
