What is it that gives you your purpose? Your sense of self? Think about your job, hobbies, passions, and life — all of the things that compile together to make up who you are. Now, consider what you would feel should your capacity to fulfill any of those roles be stripped away, along with your right to decision-making and ability to stand independently. For adults with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or other cognitive and physical challenges, a diagnosis is enough to take away freedoms they once enjoyed and shift their entire mental and emotional well-being off of its axis. For this reason, honoring someone’s personhood and identity despite their dementia is vital when aiding them in their battle against depression.
Signs, Symptoms, & the Current Rate of Depression in Dementia
Depression is something commonly faced by adults in the early and middle stages of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, up to 40 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from significant depression. It should be noted that adults with dementia might have significantly increased difficulty in communicating how they feel mentally and emotionally to those around them, leading to what might seem like an uptick in dementia progression-related symptoms. However, loved ones should take note of any behavioral changes they see in their loved ones, as they might have more to do with a state of depression. Some of these symptoms may include:
- Apathy
- Fatigue & irritability
- Loss of interest
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Trouble concentrating
- Impaired thinking
Seeking Help for Your Loved One’s Depression
The first step to navigating through depression is seeking the appropriate treatment as soon as any symptoms or changes in behavior are identified. Consult with your medical team to see what treatment options might be available for your loved one. In some cases, your provider might prescribe medication to help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression.
But, if medication is not something you or your loved one wish to pursue, please know that it does not have to be your only option.
Treatments That Go Beyond a Pill
At Oakwood Creative Care, we strive to help older adults find joy in their everyday lives through treatments that go beyond a pill. We recognize that, even after a challenging diagnosis, the body, mind, heart, and soul continue seeking a familiar sense of inclusion, productivity, and community.
For this reason, our Adult Day Clubs are structured to offer a dignified atmosphere where individuals are respected and valued, fostering independence and autonomy. Our club members anticipate the newness of each day amongst friends as they explore new talents and hobbies through engaging activities designed to stimulate the mind and body.
With this new paradigm of thinking, we have found that an astonishing 64% of members reported a maintained or decreased depression within the first 6 months of joining the Oakwood family.
How Oakwood Helped One Man’s Depression by Reigniting His Spark
Witnessing the moment in which a spark of joy is lit for any of Oakwood’s members is something that can hardly ever be put into words. For many of those on our teams, the changes and challenges brought on by dementia strike very close to home. Tara Krantzman, Chief Operating Officer, says this of her experience in getting to watch someone very close to her get to experience the magic of Oakwood in his final years:
“In 2021, my Papa Earl became an official club member at Oakwood Creative Care.
Although he was initially reluctant to set foot in the place, the club quickly became one of his favorite places.
In his early years, Earl was a talented musician, having mastered playing guitar. He had a special place in his heart for one of his favorite songs, “Maria Elena” by Los Indios Tabajaras.
As his dementia progressed, Earl battled with what many other adults like him often struggle with silently, and that is a lost sense of self.
Seeing my Papa become resigned from the things that once brought him enjoyment was heartbreaking. But, deep down, music remained one of his greatest passions, regardless of what stage of his diagnosis he was in.
Having noticed that spark still shimmering within, our music teachers took to reintroducing Earl to the wonder of music. They encouraged him to stretch his fingers and use that muscle memory to play some of his favorite tunes.
Although the progression of his disease could not be stopped, having the space, opportunity, and encouragement to honor Earl’s identity ultimately gave something back to him in the end — an invaluable piece of himself sparked through his love for music.”
Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.
