#shawleveryday2019 Day 68
Is dementia considered a mental illness? Until I did my research for today's post, I didn't really know. Dementia has a physiological/neurological basis, typically as a result of brain damage due to disease or stroke, whereas mental illness is more psychological and manifests similarly to younger people.
Dementia tends to have these symptoms:
confusion
loss of words
memory impairment
mood swings
Mental illness in seniors includes:
hopelessness
losing interest in people or things that the person previously enjoyed
agitation or aggression
sleep disturbances
anxiety about change
delusions or hallucinations
It can be difficult to differentiate the two and it's important to not ignore mental health issues in seniors. Aging adults who may suffer from lack of mobility can become socially isolated and depressed. Properly diagnosing and treating mental illness in seniors can greatly improve and prolong their life.
Additional resources
Dementia Diary - Dementia, mental health and mental illness are different, but have things in common
Alzheimer's Society - Let’s talk about dementia, mental illness and mental health
Symphony Senior Living - Dementia vs Mental Illness in Seniors
America Senior Communities - Mental Illness vs Dementia in the Elderly
