A medida que la enfermedad de Alzheimer cambia la capacidad de un individuo para recordar y pensar, también puede cambiar la capacidad de controlar las emociones. Hasta el 40 por ciento de las personas que padecen la enfermedad de Alzheimer también sufrirán una depresión significativa. Dado que es posible que su ser querido no pueda expresar sus sentimientos, es posible que se recurra a los cuidadores familiares para que le ayuden a identificar los síntomas de la depresión. La Escala de Cornell para la depresión en la demencia puede ayudar en esta situación.

El cuarenta por ciento de las personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer también sufre una depresión significativa, lo que amenaza la calidad de vida tanto de los pacientes como de sus cuidadores. A continuación se explica cómo obtener ayuda y planificar estrategias para afrontar este desafío adicional.

Caregiving for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, and it comes with a risk of what is known as “Caregiver Burnout.” With caregiver burnout, you are in a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may also be coupled with a change in your attitude towards your caregiving role, from one of positive, caring, and rewarding to one of feeling negative, unconcerned, and resentful.

It is common for family caregivers helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease to feel a profound sense of grief for all that is lost to this disease. Loss of interest in activities we previously found rewarding and enjoyable are lessened or no longer enjoyable. This is often seen in depression but can also be attributed to a profound loss. Here’s how to cope.

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.

It would seem to be a given that many caregivers would be "depressed,” given all the challenges they are facing. But it is critical to separate the expected sadness from the effects of Alzheimer's disease and the emotionally and physically debilitating illness that "Major Depression" is in its worst form.

Coping with memory loss can be a time of sadness and frustration for both the person affected and their family, friends, and caregiver. Here are some of the tips shared from others who have faced life with Alzheimer’s disease.

How to use the "Think FAST" technique to help get your loved one “unstuck” from a distressing topic and instead think about things that generate positive thoughts

Forty percent of people with Alzheimer’s Disease also suffer from significant depression, threatening the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Here is how to get help and plan strategies to face this additional challenge.