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Caregiver Tip Sheets
Depression & Sadness
It is common for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia to
become sad or depressed. They may stop seeing friends or
become lonely because friends stop seeing them. They may lose
interest in the things they used to do. The sadness can make them
stop eating, have trouble sleeping, or make them sleep all the
time. These can be signs of depression.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
ACTIVITIES
• make a daily plan to keep them active
WHY DOES • encourage exercise and pleasant physical activity
THIS HAPPEN? • tell stories, listen to music, watch funny shows
• cook favorite foods and play pleasant music
People with Alzheimer’s
or dementia might: • find things to do with other people
• think about using an adult day care center
• be sad about the
changes happening TALK WITH THEM
to them • ask how they are feeling
• worry about the future • don’t tell them to “cheer up” or “try harder”
• comfort them, let them know that they are safe and that you
• feel alone care about them
• feel embarrassed to talk • hug them if they enjoy hugs
with people • find a counselor who knows about depression and dementia
• get confused if there is MAKE HOME SAFE
too much noise
• remove guns
Sometimes changes in the • lock up sharp knives
brain make the person lose • hide alcohol and medicines
interest in life.
• lock up poisons
SPEAK WITH A DOCTOR IF THEY:
• talk about hurting themselves
• lose a lot of weight
844.HELP. ALZ
AlzheimersLA.org • sleep all the time
© 2019 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90ADPI0024-01-00)
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