My mother n law has always had anxiety and depression. She was treated by a psychiatrist and therapist for many years. We removed her from her home b/c she was a hoarder and the conditions were unsanitary. Her mother died from alzheimer's. Over the past 2 years we've seen a sharp decline in her ability to engage with people, participate in activities, etc... We are not sure how much is forgetfulness vs. dissociative. She falls asleep right after eating which tells me some of it might be related to blood-sugar. We are at a loss as to how to help b/c she refuses to go anywhere, engage in social activities, and tells us and the doctor that she's "fine." She is angry if I show up at her doctor appts and will not tell us anything but "I'm fine" when we ask about the appts.
Our writer published an article that may be helpful to you regarding dementia and depression. I am attaching the link below.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/dementia-depression-link-158881.htm
Warm regards,
Melissa R.
The AgingCare.com Team
She has a thyroid condition so I took her to an endocrinologist (sp) who said that as long as she is taking her meds...these symptoms shouldn't occur due to that... She was taking arisept (sp) awhile back but then decided on her own that she didn't need it. :-(
She's been divorced for 30 years. She says she loves coming to our house to see the kids and be with everyone but then sits for 8 hours not speaking or interacting with anyone other than to say hi, bye, how is everyone. She obsessively has to watch the tv but then can't repeat anything that she is watching. I don't interrupt her at the doc's...I want him to see that she can't answer his questions. I have a call into the doc to discuss what needs to happen next...
Depression in older adults and the elderly is often linked to physical illness, which can increase the risk for depression. Chronic pain and physical disability can understandably get you down. Symptoms of depression can also occur as part of medical problems such as dementia or as a side effect of prescription drugs.
Medical conditions can cause depression in the elderly
It’s important to be aware that medical problems can cause depression in older adults and the elderly, either directly or as a psychological reaction to the illness. Any chronic medical condition, particularly if it is painful, disabling, or life-threatening, can lead to depression or make depression symptoms worse.
These include:
Parkinson’s disease
stroke
heart disease
cancer
diabetes
thyroid disorders
Vitamin B12 deficiency
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
lupus
multiple sclerosis
Who is we? If she has had long-term issues with depression, aging will actually amplify them, and medications may need to be changed. Look over all her test results and ask questions. Do not interrupt her conversation with the MD or answer for her (sooo many family members do that and it drives the doctors nuts). If a detail was missed ask " What about xxxx?" and take lots of notes.
After removing her from her home did anyone then employ any coping mechanisms, because such a thing could have been traumatizing to her.
You do not state where she is living currently, but there in addition to meds there are tests that need to be done like a neuropsychological assessment and evaluation.
Despite symptoms, putting someone on meds without assessment and evaluation clouds the issues, that could be happening to her.
In our case we found, not only did she have dementia, she couldn't be left home alone, because without the protective bubble she didn't know what to do, about anything on her own.on her own and her son thought I was exaggerating, but it turned out to be quite true!