How LBD Can Cause Depression In Seniors & How Respite Care Helps.
Diagnosed with Lewy body dementia can lead your senior loved one to several health concerns, including depression. However, family caregivers should remain positive and supportive and develop methods to enhance their loved ones’ moods. In doing so, knowing the symptoms of Lewy body dementia and how they affect physical, mental, and emotional health is essential. Respite care providers discuss five ways Lewy body dementia can cause seniors to be depressed.
Limits Socialization
Lewy body dementia can cause isolation for various reasons, including the inability to understand visual information, changes in physical appearance and behaviors, and memory impairment. As a result, your loved one becomes less likely to socialize, which increases the risk of depression. While keeping your loved one socially active may be challenging, it is not impossible. For example, seniors who enjoyed fishing before the disease diagnosis can still go fishing but will require help operating the boat and fishing tools. Customize outgoings and activities suitable for your loved one’s needs to allow him or her to stay social to reduce the risk of depression.
Hallucinations and Delusions
Visual hallucinations and delusions are prevalent among individuals with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Seniors afflicted by LBD might perceive objects or entities lacking a tangible presence or become convinced of circumstances diverting from reality. Such experiences can induce profound fear and bewilderment, intensifying feelings of anxiety and contributing to the onset or escalation of depressive emotions.
Promotes Inactivity
Staying physically active can help seniors combat anxiety and stress. Seniors with Lewy body dementia may experience mobility issues, including rigid muscles, lack of balance, and hunched posture. Staying active can help seniors reduce their risk of depression by easing their mobility concerns. To allow your loved one to stay active, encourage them to take part in light activities that are not strenuous on the body. Suggest fun and simple activities your loved one can do without taking too much help. Staying active can also allow seniors with Lewy body dementia to maintain independence.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances are prevailing in Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), significantly influencing emotional well-being. Seniors with LBD frequently grapple with disrupted sleep patterns, encompassing difficulties such as insomnia and daytime drowsiness. The poor sleep quality not only intensifies pre-existing depressive symptoms but also hampers their ability to partake in activities that once pleased them, thereby compounding the emotional burden they face.
Neurochemical Changes
LBD involves significant alterations in brain chemistry. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly in dopamine and serotonin, play a crucial role in regulating mood. As LBD disrupts these neurotransmitter systems, it can lead to a chemical imbalance that contributes to the development of depression. Seniors with LBD may experience profound mood swings due to these neurochemical changes.
Medication Side Effects
The medications intended to mitigate the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) occasionally yield side effects that reverberate through mood. In certain cases, these medications might either trigger or exacerbate depressive symptoms, thus presenting a delicate equilibrium between addressing cognitive and motor impairments while mitigating emotional turmoil. This intricate balance underscores the complexity of LBD management, demanding careful consideration and adjustment of medication regimens to harmonize symptom alleviation with emotional well-being for affected seniors.
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Impaired Communication
As LBD progresses, communication can become increasingly difficult. Seniors may struggle to express themselves verbally, leading to frustration and isolation. The inability to convey thoughts and emotions effectively can deepen depressive feelings as individuals feel misunderstood and disconnected from their loved ones.
Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline is a hallmark of LBD, and it can be a major source of distress for seniors. As memory, language, and problem-solving abilities deteriorate, individuals with LBD may feel frustrated and helpless. This decline in cognitive function can erode their sense of self-worth and trigger feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Conclusion
Understanding these factors and adopting a comprehensive care strategy can greatly boost the happiness of seniors with LBD. Maintaining a good quality of life can be tough for seniors managing the symptoms of a serious illness, but you can help them achieve this by getting expert help at home. Edmonton Respite Care is a trusted and reputable senior Respite care provider to help your loved ones age gracefully at home surrounded by family and treasured memories.
