Geropsychiatry/Mental Health Services

IS IT DEMENTIA OR DEPRESSION?

Answers open-ended questions in a
round-about way
Tries to cover up or gloss over memory failure
Avoids answering questions, often by asking to have them repeated
Cannot recite serial sevens (Count backwards from 100 by 7's)
Displays few signs of emotion
Appears to be emotionally shallow
Mental abilities remain consistent
Condition develops slowly
Neurological symptoms are present (apraxia, inability to accomplish tasks and agnosia, inability to recognize things)

Responds relatively well to open-ended questions
Expresses acute concern over memory loss
Shrugs off some questions rather than trying to avoid them
Can recite serial sevens (counting back-wards from 100 by 7's)
Exhibits consistent despair and self-condemnation
Appears more emotionally stable
Remembers and forgets things regardless of their comparative remoteness or importance
Symptoms may appear suddenly
No neurological symptoms present

Symptoms common to both:

Geropsychiatry - Serving Older Adults Since 1987
Botsford Hospital
Intake/Inquiries: (248) 471-8723