Dementia, Depression and Substance Abuse

Paper Summary:

Dementia, allied with depression and alcohol or substance abuse, increases challenges for the elderly and their caregivers. Wernicke's disease and Korsakoff's syndrome are the most recognized types of alcohol-dementia. The paper shows that symptoms of alcohol or substance abuse can be disguised as depression, dementia or other problems associated with aging. Dementia is a condition that does not have a cure; however, depression and alcohol or substance abuse are treatable and may reverse some types of dementia. The paper shows that the best approach to treatment is a combination of therapies, which may provide help and support to the caregiver as well as manage symptoms. Disease case management along with effective outpatient treatment approaches may postpone or reduce nursing home placement.

Paper Outline:
Abstract
Dementia Allied with Depression and Alcohol or Substance Abuse
Dementia
Depression
Dementia and Depression
Substance Abuse
Alcohol-Related Dementia
Treatment
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Depression coexisting with dementia has often been overlooked because of the emphasis on distinguishing the two conditions; however, it should be recognized that depression is a shared concomitant of dementia (Woods, 2001, p. S10). Depression may be a predictor of some forms of dementia and is considered a major health risk in the elderly (Tierney, Boyle, Lam, & Szalai, 1999, p. 1). Studies show that depression is the most common psychiatric disease in individuals 65 years and older, commonly occurring in more than 30% of the frail and disabled elderly (Polidori, Menculini, Senin, & Mecocci, 2001, p. 533)."

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