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adolescent depression checklists : Behavioral Manifestations of Alzheimers Dementia

- Michael G. Rayel, MD

Alzheimers Dementia has a combination of cognitive and behavioral manifestations. Cognitive impairment is the core problem which includes memory deficits and at least one of the following: aphasia or language problem, agnosia or problems with recognition, apraxia or motor activity problem, and impairment in executive functioning (e.g. planning, abstract reasoning, and organizing).

As the disease advances, the cognitive decline becomes associated with behavioral manifestations. What are these behavioral manifestations of dementia?

Behavioral syndromes in Alzheimers can be grouped into two categories: psychological and behavioral. Major psychological syndromes consist of depression, anxiety, delusions, and hallucinations.

Depression in dementia is very common. Up to about 87% of patients develop some form of depression. It is characterized by tearfulness or crying episodes, feelings of sadness, and neurovegetative signs and symptoms such as inability to sleep, lack of appetite, poor energy, and thoughts of death. Irritability is also common. Depression can occur even in the early or mild phase of the illness.

About 50% of demented patients show delusions or false fixed beliefs. Such delusions include beliefs that a relative is stealing, that a spouse is just an impostor or is having an affair with a neighbor, or that friends and relatives are conspiring to cause trouble.

Moreover, many patients with dementia may experience hallucinations. Most of these hallucinations are visual seeing strangers in the house, an animal or insects in the living room, people in the bedroom or on top of the TV set. Occasionally, auditory hallucinations may be experienced hearing footsteps or knocking on the door or even people singing church hymns.

Regarding major behavioral syndromes associated with dementia, these problems include agitation, verbal outbursts, repetitive behavior, wandering, and aggression or even violence. Agitation can be manifested by pacing back and forth, restlessness, and inability to sit still.

Verbal outbursts consist of day-long screaming or occasional yelling at someone. Repetitive behavior is manifested by closing and opening a closet or a purse or a drawer. Asking questions repetitively for instance about a relatives visit is very common.

Wandering can happen especially at the late stages of the illness. If doors are left unlock, some patients wander away from the house. Hence, safety level becomes an issue.

Aggression likewise may occur. Hitting the caregiver or throwing things are some complaints. Destroying things although rare can also ensue. A gentleman for example hit the wall with a cane and broke the window by smashing a chair.

Although difficult to deal with, most of these behavioral consequences of dementia can be treated especially if recognized and addressed early.

May 24, 2004

ref : adolescent depression checklists

In SAD patients, autumn antidepressants can prevent winter depression (EurekAlert!)
New York City– For patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), starting treatment with an antidepressant medication during the fall can reduce the risk of developing depression throughout the fall and winter months, reports a study in the Oct. 15 issue of Biological Psychiatry, official journal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry, published by Elsevier, a world-leading scientific and

Immune Response to Influenza Vaccine is Maintained in MS Patients Treated With Rebif(R) (RedNova)
GENEVA, Switzerland, November 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA) Data presented today at the XVIIIth World Congress of Neurology in Sydney, Australia, show that treatment with Rebif(R) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) does not alter the immune response to influenza vaccination.

November 14 Deadline Approaching to Submit Nominations for Depression Awareness Award (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2006 Welcome Back Awards, a national awards program that recognizes heroes of the depression community, is fast approaching. Nominations are due by November 14, 2005.

RUC 'role model in truama treatment' (u.tv)
The Royal Ulster Constabulary was the role model for other police forces throughout the UK in the treatment of traumatised officers, a court was told today.

natural cures for bipolar depression : Looking For Depression Support Groups

- S A Baker

For those who face depression, every day of their lives may seem like a struggle. A struggle to get up, a struggle to face the day and the people involved and it can be a struggle to make the most of the day. It just seems simpler to crawl back into bed and forget about it all. But, the world needs us, we need the world too. So, we get up and deal with the depression. But, there may be a way or a place in which the depression you feel is similar to the depression that others feel and are dealing with as well.

A depression support group can be a great way to see that your situation is not the only one out there. By talking with others who are dealing with depression, you will be able to understand yourself a little better. Maybe they can offer advice on making the day easier or happier. Maybe they can offer an understanding that comes with friendship. By meeting with others in a group setting, you may be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

While it may never cure your depression, simply adding the time to your day to talk about depression with people who understand can be a cure for your aching heart. If you would like more information on finding these support groups or dealing with depression in general, you can find them throughout the internet. One good site to visit is www.avoiddepression.com. It is not a medical website, but more of a portal to understanding what is going on and how to help yourself with your depression.

About the Author

S A Baker is staff writer at www.avoiddepression.com

ref : natural cures for bipolar depression