Mental health affects how we think, feel, and cope with life’s challenges—a crucial aspect of overall well-being. People with dementia may often exhibit symptoms similar to people living with mental illnesses, leading many to wonder if dementia is considered a mental illness or something else.
The truth is that dementia is not a mental illness, but it is often closely associated with many mental illnesses. Recognizing the connection between mental health and dementia is essential for healthcare professionals, family members, and caregivers to provide accurate support and timely interventions for older adults.
About Dementia
What is Dementia?
“Dementia” is an umbrella term that refers to a range of neurodegenerative diseases impacting memory and cognitive function. They progress over time, impacting daily life and the ability to live independently.
Common types of dementia include:
- Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
- Vascular dementia, the second-most common type of dementia
- Lewy body dementia, the third-most common kind of dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia, the fourth-most common form of dementia
- Mixed dementia, a combination of one or more types of dementia
Symptoms of Dementia
The types of dementia symptoms people have can vary based on the stage of dementia they are in and the kind of dementia they have.
That said, hallmark symptoms of dementia in general include:
- Memory loss
- Language difficulties/communication difficulties
- Visual and spatial perception issues
- Personality changes and mood swings
- Decline in judgment and decision-making abilities
Causes of Dementia
Brain cell damage results in the memory loss, cognitive decline, and other signs of physical and cognitive impairment that are characteristic of dementia.
Risk factors for dementia include:
- Age
- Prolonged alcohol use
- Stroke and damage to blood vessels in the brain
- Family history
- Smoking
- Hearing loss
- Untreated diabetes
About Age-related Mental Illness
Common Mental Illnesses & Symptoms in Seniors
While most associate mental disorders with the young, the truth is that mental illnesses can develop or worsen at any stage of life. In fact, older adults commonly develop mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse problems.
Common Causes of Mental Illness
Older people have many of the same causes, triggers, and risk factors for mental conditions as younger age groups, such as family history and genetics. Older adults are also, however, more prone to other risk factors that can contribute to mental illnesses, including personal loss/grief, long-term disability, and social isolation.
It’s important for families to remember that good mental health earlier in life does not eliminate the risk of mental illness in later years; it’s always important to provide ongoing support and check-in on older loved ones’ mental health.
Dementia or Mental Illness?
Changes in mood and personality, agitation, confusion, and more are all common signs of many forms of dementia and mental illnesses. The best way to determine if someone has dementia or a psychiatric disorder (or a combination) is to get professionally tested and diagnosed.
A proper diagnosis means treatment can begin sooner, improving the well-being of all involved.
Dementia-like Symptoms
Sometimes an older adult is experiencing neither dementia nor mental illness; they are experiencing a related condition or some other disorder that results in dementia-like symptoms.
Conditions that can affect brain functioning and cause dementia-like symptoms include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Side effects of medicine
- Vitamin deficiencies
Treatments for these conditions can vary widely from those of either dementia or a mental health condition, making a professional diagnosis key to getting the best treatment (and outcome) possible.
Good Mental Health in Memory Care
Good mental and emotional health is possible despite a dementia diagnosis and co-existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety; supportive networks and the right treatment can help.
Supporting a loved one with dementia requires patience, understanding, and compassion, as well as a comprehensive care plan. Holistic and person-centered approaches to care, with a focus on helping with daily activities and promoting independence where safely possible, can make a massive difference in improving the well-being and dignity of people living with dementia in both aging in place and residential care situations.
FAQs
Can dementia be mistaken for a mental illness?
Symptoms of psychiatric disorders and dementia, like agitation and confusion, commonly overlap. That is why it’s important for anyone who suspects a loved one may have either a mental illness or dementia to schedule an appointment with their health care provider. This way, the person can receive a proper diagnosis and get timely treatment to improve quality of life.
Are there stages of dementia?
Yes, many experts classify dementia into stages. Many laypeople are familiar with a 3-stage model, with dementia categorized into early stages, middle/moderate stages, and late/severe stages.
Many professionals use a 7-stage model called the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) to more accurately track the progression of cognitive decline:
- No dementia
- Age-related memory loss
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- Moderate decline
- Moderately severe decline
- Severe decline
- Extreme decline
Does dementia count as a mental disability?
Dementia is not a mental illness, but it can be considered a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA), for example, defines dementia as a disability.
What is the best living situation for someone with dementia?
The best living situation for someone with dementia is one where the person feels valued and safe while their medical, emotional, and personal care needs are met. For some, that situation is at home, surrounded by family caregivers and home health aides. For others, it is living in a dedicated senior living community, like memory care and assisted living communities.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical, financial, tax or legal advice.