Can Seasonal Depression Worsen or Complicate Alzheimer's?

If you know someone who is struggling with Alzheimer's, you know how difficult this disease can be. However, what can often make Alzheimer's even more complicated, is the addition of seasonal depression. This type of depression often comes on during the fall and winter months and can actually worsen Alzheimer's. There is a lot of overlap between Alzheimer's and seasonal depression though, so it is important that you are able to tell what symptoms are common from what issue. It is also important to have a Senior Helpers of Whittier-Downey that can help the Seniors to be well taken care of during this time. Here are some issues that can be caused by seasonal depression in a senior who has Alzheimer's.

Lack Of Motivation

One common symptom of seasonal depression is a lack of motivation. You may notice that senior with Alzheimer's no longer wishes to do things that they normally enjoy, and they may instead want to stay in bed, seated, etc. If this behavior persists overtime, then medication, therapy, and other resources are available to the seniors to help them with their seasonal depression.

Sensitivity To Social Situations 

Seniors with seasonal depression also do not enjoy social situations. For this reason, they may become angry, tense, or otherwise upset when they are in any kind of social situation that they don't wish to be in. This is very easy to recognize, especially if the senior was quite social before the seasonal depression set in.

Thoughts Of Suicide 

Another symptom of seasonal depression in those with Alzheimer's Disease is thoughts of suicide. These symptoms can often come on rather quickly, and it is important to listen carefully to what the older person is saying and how they are acting. This can help you get a better idea of where they are mental. Having someone there to watch the older person and give them additional care can also help them during this time.

Lack Of Personal Care

During Alzheimer's, a senior may forget to do certain personal care tasks, but this is often due to forgetting, not because they don't care to. In contrast, when a senior is suffering from seasonal depression, there is a lack of personal care because they simply don't care enough to take care of themselves. They may no longer wish to clean themselves, change their clothes, or even eat. These are all signs of seasonal depression that need to be taken care of by someone who can help the senior regularly.

Both Alzheimer's and seasonal depression can be hard on a senior, so it is critical that they receive the help that they need during this time. A great source of help for a senior who is struggling is the Senior Helpers of Whittier-Downey. Our caregivers will be able to watch for signs of seasonal depression and can help the seniors to do things that they either can't or won't do on their own. To learn more about Senior Helpers of Whittier-Downey, contact us.