After the death of his granddaughter, my husband is asleep more than awake during the day. Is this depression or dementia?

Years ago, my MIL became convinced that her husband, FIL, had fallen into a deep depression. He was falling asleep all the time, didnt want to get out of bed in the morning. She declared at a family dinner that she was making an appointment for him to see a psychiatrist (Fil was sound asleep and snoring at the dinner table during this conversation). It was suggested that before the psych visit, MIL get him a comprehensive physical at his PCP.

FIL's kidneys had failed.

He went on dialysis and lived for several more years.

Your husband can certainly have depression with AD. Depression is not unusual for some with AD. Certainly the loss of a young grandchild could cause depression. Your assuming he has AD? You may be right seeing two of his first degree relatives had it. However, he still needs to be evaluated for both conditions. Although it's difficult to diagnose, depression can be and should be treated. Start by consulting with your PCP. He/she may suggest further referrals.

It sounds like he is depressed, losing his granddaughter is traumatic. I would call his PCP and ask for a referral to have him evaluated asap. So sorry to hear such sad news. I will keep him in my prayers.

If DH is going to object to the doctor’s visit, sell it as being a check on sleeping changes.

I have found that what may appear to be depression can be signs of dementia and the opposite can be true as well.

It is hard to say which one it is over the internet; however, if the sleeping through the day started when his granddaughter passed away then it could be depression. However, pts with cognitive decline will have some depression. He needs to see a Dr to make sure that he gets the right Dx so that he can get Tx.

Dementia is to big and complex to figure out on your own.

Best of luck to you and your hubby.

It could also be kidney failure.

Could be anything. How can anybody diagnose something like that online? Get him to the EMERGENCY ROOM. Could be infection. Take him there. Now. Today.

There is a high likelihood that it is a combination of both. Individuals with dementia are more likely to experience depression. You know your husband best and rely on that. The loss of a family member, especially a younger person is particularly difficult. Were they close?

It would be completely reasonable to request an evaluation from his PCP to rule out something medical going on. Is he sleeping at night? Concurrently, it might also be beneficial to have him see a Behavioral Therapist to work through his grief. Are you able to help him to be more active during the day?

Regardless, grief effects everyone differently. Best of luck.

The symptoms of depression are: increased or decreased sleeping, irritability, decreased appetite, tearfulness, loss of interest in daily activities. Sometimes there is a pseudodementia due to the depression. I'm thinking it may be depression due to your granddaughter's death. The question is ow much was he sleeping prior to this? I think contacting his primary care physician and discussing the situation is in order.

Imho, he needs to be seen by a neuorologist, which is the gold standard to determine if he has Alzheimer's.