Jeanne, that is interesting! I just read an article about SSRIs and SNRIs being iseful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, and NOT because the client is depressed.
If you think about the fact that in dememtia, the brain is "broken" in some fundamental way, then altering brain chemistry may be in a small way a path to helping it remain more functional.
Jeannegibbs, in my experience teaches only want the textbook answer, not the right one gleaned from doing research. Although I also commend anyone who takes the time and initiative to look beyond the textbook.
If you are taking a class, I think it quite resourceful of you to find a forum so you can hear from actual experienced caregivers. I hope you are also looking at more professional articles.
I think cdnreader is right -- depression symptoms are pretty much the same with or without dementia. Do you need help understanding depression symptoms?
I recently heard a dementia expert speak about depression in dementia. He said that depression is likely over-diagnosed. The symptoms of dementia and depression overlap, and often the person is just displaying symptoms of the underlying dementia, without added depression. I don't know how widely this view is held, but it is something to think about.
If you think about the fact that in dememtia, the brain is "broken" in some fundamental way, then altering brain chemistry may be in a small way a path to helping it remain more functional.
I think cdnreader is right -- depression symptoms are pretty much the same with or without dementia. Do you need help understanding depression symptoms?
I recently heard a dementia expert speak about depression in dementia. He said that depression is likely over-diagnosed. The symptoms of dementia and depression overlap, and often the person is just displaying symptoms of the underlying dementia, without added depression. I don't know how widely this view is held, but it is something to think about.
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-depression.asp