How can I tell if my loved one with dementia is depressed and what can I do to help them?

By: Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW

May is mental health awareness month! One common mental health challenge that people living with dementia face is depression. Depression is a common condition for adults and can range in severity and duration. While depression is common among all adults, older adults with dementia are at greater risk of developing depression. According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 40% of people with Alzheimer's disease will experience significant depression. This can cause stress for caregivers, who may not understand why their loved one has become depressed, not know what to do, and may even feel guilty that their loved one is suffering. Many often ask how to assess whether their loved one is depressed and what they can do to help them. 

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