How to Help Those with Alzheimer's Retain their Dignity
What does depression do?
Depression leads to loss of function and active participation in anything resembling social behavior. Despair has an impact on overall health, and physical attributes begin to manifest themselves. A depressed person with Alzheimer’s becomes a victim of weakness and falls, weight loss, wound development, and development of contractures or permanent shortening of muscles or joints.
Depression and anxiety are under-diagnosed in most ADRD patients and problems are not identified in time to correct them. Medical and social workers use depression assessment like the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Cornell Depressions Scale. The GDS is a great tool for those who have verbal skills and can answer questions. Use the Cornell scale when there is no ability to converse verbally. The Cornell Scale bases assessments on the observation of behaviors. It is essential to use depression and anxiety assessments as part of the routine care of those with ADRD. Assessments give caregivers a clue into the fears and needs of their patients.
