Fact 6. The Hazards of Untreated Depression in the Context of Dementia
Depression in dementia often operates as an unseen force, silently driving the progression of cognitive decline. Various studies have indicated that untreated depression in individuals with dementia can hasten cognitive deterioration, contribute to faster progression of dementia symptoms, and worsen the overall prognosis. It can exacerbate cognitive, functional, and behavioral symptoms of dementia, making them more challenging to manage and significantly impacting the individual’s quality of life.
Depression in dementia is not just associated with faster cognitive decline; it also links to increased mortality. Numerous studies have highlighted that individuals suffering from both dementia and depression tend to have a shorter life expectancy than those suffering from dementia alone. Depression can lead to weight loss, decreased physical activity, social withdrawal, and reduced self-care — all factors that can contribute to an increased risk of serious medical complications and, ultimately, a shorter lifespan.
This association underscores the critical importance of early detection and effective management of depression in individuals with dementia. By ensuring that depression does not go unnoticed or untreated, we can contribute to better survival outcomes and an improved quality of life for people living with dementia. (6)
