Sadness and depression become common threads which weave their way through the lives of those impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease. While illness alone can bring about these emotions, the physical, mental, and emotional processes which are impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease heighten the experience of these emotions.
Depression may reveal itself in statements like these for both the person with the disease and their care partner:
“Why are you bothering me with this?”
“I don’t care.”
“I can’t take this.”
Depression can be the result of endless changes the person is constantly adapting to in their life. Imagine losing your job, friends and family members may no longer interact with you, and daily activities that were once easy and enjoyable, now become difficult to complete. While sadness and depression are valid emotions to experience with this disease, it is important to watch for signs of prolonged depression. These signs apply to both the person with the disease and the care partner:
- Boredom or indifference to people and activities
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Social withdrawal
- Isolation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired thinking
- Increased agitation or confusion
- Changes in sleeping patterns
In addition, the person with early onset Alzheimer’s disease may also refuse help with personal care, such as bathing, getting dressed, or taking medications. Due to changes in the person’s cognitive process, they may not be able to verbalize sadness, loneliness, fear, anxiety, or other feelings they may be experiencing. Below are some non-medication approaches to lessen the symptoms of depression:
- Let them be involved in tasks and activities they once enjoyed and implement safety measures, if needed. It is okay if they do not complete the task or if they do it differently than before. The important aspect is they are participating in their life. Ensure safety measure are in place if needed. Offer them thanks and praise on a job well done.
- Create a pleasant environment. Include people and things they are familiar with. This can brighten their spirit and help soothe any fear or anxiety.
- Avoid loud noises, crowded places, or overstimulation. Overstimulation can occur in public as well as in the home. If the television is on, music is playing in another room or the neighbor’s yard is being mowed, the “noise” becomes sensory overload. This may cause them to withdraw or become agitated.
- Look for ways to increase the level of physical activity. Research has shown that 30 minutes of physical activity can help reduce depression.
- Become involved in a support group for early onset Alzheimer’s disease (65 years of age and younger). Being able to talk with others who are also living with this disease can be powerful.
As the care partner, you too are experiencing significant changes in your life and relationships, which can lead to feelings of sadness and depression. As we stated in our blog post on loneliness, having family and friends who can help and provide emotional support makes a tremendous difference.
- Connect with people. Joining a support group, in-person or online, can be a wonderful outlet to meet new people who understand your experiences with the disease.
- When people offer to help with something, let them. Whether it is spending time with the person who has early onset Alzheimer’s disease, or running errands for you, it is important to let people help.
- Have at least one person who you can talk to on a deep and honest level. Every care partner needs someone who they can be honest with and talk through all they are feeling and experiencing.
If the feelings of depression continue to become harder to overcome for either the person with early onset Alzheimer’s disease or the care partner, please contact your physician or healthcare professional to that a medical evaluation can be performed.
Personal Note from Laura Sutherland, Founder & Executive Director
If you do not have someone in your support system who you are comfortable talking to about your experiences, I invite you to contact me directly. I was Gayle’s sole care partner and I have experienced all the good, bad, and ugly of this disease. Building a community of support and awareness about this disease is why I started the Gayle Wells Foundation. We can set up a regular schedule of phone calls, Zoom calls or face-to-face meetings. I do not want anyone to keep things bottled up inside. Our services are free of charge, and I would love to talk with you and help you through this experience. I can be reached at 832-470-9526 or laura@gaylewells.org.