Do people who have Alzheimer’s disease become depressed?
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan’s “I don’t remember,” “I don’t recall” responses seemed to many to be lame answers to questions about political dealings. However, it turns out that they may have been the truth. In 1994, former President Ronald Reagan announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Do people who have Alzheimer’s disease become depressed?
Yes. Depression is very common among people who have Alzheimer’s disease. In many cases, they become depressed when they realize that their memory and ability to function are getting worse.
Unfortunately, depression may make it even harder for a person who has Alzheimer’s disease to function, to remember things and to enjoy life.
Alzheimer’s Disease Cause, Care, & Cure
There is hope. New effective treatments are just around the corner, and the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research is the world’s largest research team leading the battle.
* 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s
* 360,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year
* Hundreds of thousands of people will die from the disease this year
Who Is Affected?
The chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease increase with age. It usually occurs after age 65. Most people are not affected even at advanced ages. There are only two definite factors that increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease: a family history of dementia and Down syndrome.
Family History of Dementia
Some forms of Alzheimer’s disease are inherited. If Alzheimer’s disease has occurred in your family members, other members are more likely to develop it. Discuss any family history of dementia with your family doctor.
