How to Help a Relative with Pseudo-Dementia

Pseudo-dementia is a form of depression with memory loss that can often be treated.

Pseudo-dementia is a type of depression associated with memory problems that is fairly common in the elderly. After diagnosis and treatment with antidepressant medication, the memory problems and difficulty concentrating can often be reduced or reversed. Here are some pointers for the family members who are helping the affected person.

Things You'll Need

• Your own support network

Instructions

1. Realize that it may take a while before your relative is diagnosed with pseudo-dementia. During that time, you may notice that he is experiencing a combination of problems: lack of short-term memory, difficulty with awareness and concentrating, sleep disturbances and fear of Alzheimer’s. The depression causes a hopeless outlook on life. Physical problems can distract from realizing what is wrong.

2. Know that the most important thing to do is to find a competent psychiatrist or neurologist who works with older people frequently. Consult the primary care physician to get recommendations. You may need to wait weeks or even months for an appointment because these specialists are in such demand.

3. Realize that your relative is struggling with a frightening loss of personal power. She was a competent adult for many decades before daily life became so challenging. Try to stay calm no matter what happens. Don’t get impatient when you have to repeat things. Her personality will determine how she reacts to the condition.

4. Go with him to the doctor’s appointment, especially when it’s in a location with which he isn’t familiar. He will need your help to remember what the doctor says. Bring your medical summary. Give the doctor your phone number for reference.

5. Make sure any prescription for antidepressant medication gets to the pharmacy. Help your relative to be sure she is taking it according to directions. A person with a short-term memory problem needs help to adjust to a new medication routine. Be in touch with her frequently for evidence of side effects.

6. Reassure him that the doctor doesn’t think he has Alzheimer’s but another condition that creates symptoms that appear similar; the difference is that with treatment, an individual with pseudo-dementia can often recover significant cognitive ability.

7. Schedule regular phone calls and visits to make sure your relative is eating and sleeping. Help with paperwork when needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a one page medical summary for your relative, listing all medications (doses and number of times each day or week), medical conditions and previous surgeries. This will save time when you meet a new doctor. Update it regularly.

• Get a support network for yourself. Living through pseudo-dementia with a loved relative is very stressful. If you are the main person dealing with this, get a plan so that you are not “on call” 24/7.

• Leave lots of time when you take your relative somewhere. Old people move really slowly and rushing causes too much stress.

• Don’t waste energy contradicting your relative if she doesn’t remember what she just told you.

• Since the root of pseudo-dementia is depression, monitor your relative to make sure he isn’t thinking of suicide.