Is My Loved One Depressed?
As Alzheimer's disease changes an individual's ability to remember and think, it can also change the ability to control emotion. Up to 40 percent of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease will also suffer from significant depression. Since your loved one may be unable to articulate their feelings, family caregivers may be called on to help identify symptoms of depression. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia can help in this situation. Caregivers answer a series of questions that help identify depression in a loved one. While scores greater than 12 indicate probable depression, don't hesitate to report your concern about your loved one's mood to their medical providers.
REFERENCE: Alexopoulos GS, Abrams RC, Young RC, et al. Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. Biol Psychiatry. 1988;23:271–284.
View or download a printable PDF of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia shown below.
Please talk with your own/loved one’s healthcare provider before using any of this information.