Concerns about depression often arise for caregivers who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and rightfully so. Depression typically accompanies the onset of symptoms for either of these conditions, as individuals have difficulty coping with the fact that they’ve been diagnosed with a debilitating disease that will affect nearly every aspect of their lives. According to alzheimersassociation.org, approximately forty percent of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease also suffer from extreme depression.
Luckily, for those individuals coping with depression on top of their existing diseases, medical professionals have made available both drug and non-drug therapies that can improve day-to-day life. These treatments can make a significant difference in the general well being of your loved one, who might otherwise find him or herself spiraling downward into a state mental state the negatively affects his or her health.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s physical and mental well-being, then you should know that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who also suffer from depression typically show symptoms of depression. Furthermore, caregivers can use these symptoms to help figure-out or whether or not their loved one may need additional assistance from a psychologist or psychiatrist. If however, you’re concerned that your loved one’s showing signs of depression and he or she’s recently come under the care of personnel at an assisted living facility or other caregiver, then you may want to contact an Ohio elder law attorney. An experienced Ohio elder law attorney can examine the facts pertaining to your loved one’s specific circumstances and help determine whether or not a negligent caretaker has contributed to your loved one’s depression.
