Understanding the relationship between depression and dementia is focus of program While depression and dementia have many similar symptoms, recent research shows that older adults can develop both conditions at the same time. Understanding the differences and similarities between depression and dementia will be explored during an Alzheimer's DiseaseAwareness Day event being held on Nov.14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at theToms River Senior Center. Joining together to present the event - which will highlight ways to keep the mind,body and spirit alive throughout the aging process - are Kimball and Community Medical Centers, Caregivers of Central Jersey and the Ocean County Health Department. ManjulaThopcherla,M.D., a Kimball Medical Center internist who is fellowship trained in geriatrics,notes that physicians can help patients and their families to tell the difference between both conditions and to identify when depression is resulting after a person's memory and ability to function begin to fail. "Many people with dementia experience some form of depression,often because of chemical imbalances in the brain,"Dr.Thopcherla says."The frustration associated with dementia can also cause depression and lethargy, and patients may stop attempting to communicate or perform certain tasks." It takes a medical evaluation to distinguish between depression and dementia, but Dr.Thopcherla says an example of each would be this: a depressed person may have poor concentration and forget where he or she left the house keys, while people with dementia do not know what they are called or perhaps cannot remember their purpose and try to use them for something else. "It is not unusual for elderly people to experience sadness, social isolation and loneliness,but real depression is characterized by a persistent mood that does not lift, interferes significantly with ordinary life functions or activities, and ultimately may lead to suicide," she says. Dr.Thopcherla notes that there is a wide range of symptoms associated with clinical depression, and says family members should not rely on"sadness" as a measure. "Research has shown that many elderly do not think of themselves as sad, even when numerous other indicators point to a diagnosis of depression," she says. According to mental health experts, the following symptoms of depression are common in many older people: • agitation • anxiety • persistent, vague or unexplained physical complaints • memory problems;difficulty concentrating • social withdrawal • decreased appetite and weight loss or weight gain • sleep disturbances • irritability or demanding behavior • lack of attention to personal care • confusion,delusions or hallucinations • feelings of discouragement or hopelessness • sadness, lack of playfulness, inability to laugh • loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities • prolonged grief after a loss • loss of self-worth • reduced energy, fatigue • abnormal thoughts, excessive or inappropriate guilt • suicidal thoughts or attempts If these symptoms persist every day for more than two weeks,depression well may be present, according to Dr. Thopcherla. "Because some of these symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions such as dementia, it is important to see a geriatric specialist for an evaluation," she says. Transportation to theAlzheimer's DiseaseAwareness Day program,which will feature free lunch, is available.To learn more, call (732) 341-1000, ext. 8460 or 8461. For a referral to a Kimball Medical Center or Community Medical Center geriatrician, call (888) SBH123 (888-724- 7123).