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Depression: The Hidden Early Sign of Alzheimer's?
22 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Depression may precede memory loss as an early Alzheimer's symptom.
- Recent research suggests depression is a strong early indicator.
- Alzheimer's Association notes shared symptoms with depression.
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions causing gradual brain deterioration, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common. While memory loss is a hallmark, recent research indicates depression could be an earlier indicator.
A comprehensive review examining medical literature from 1937 to 2016 found that depression and cognitive decline were initial symptoms in most late-onset Alzheimer's cases, often appearing before memory problems. This suggests a complex interplay between mood and cognitive function in the disease's early stages.
Identifying depression as a symptom of Alzheimer's presents challenges, as it may manifest differently than typical depression. The Alzheimer's Association points out that individuals with Alzheimer's might struggle to articulate feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and their depressive symptoms could be less severe or intermittent.
