My Alzheimer's Journey

Part 154 - A Deep Look at the Relationship Between Depression and Alzheimer's

Jun 03, 2026

As my Alzheimer’s disease (AD) seems to be progressing, so are my bouts of depression, or depressive episodes. In the past few weeks, I have often struggled to get out of bed and function normally.

October 13, 2025, I wrote an article titled, “The Link Between Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Today, I want to dig a bit deeper so all of us are better equipped to handle our own depression, or a loved one’s depressive episodes.

While between 40% and 50% of AD patients have been diagnosed with depression, we must be cautious not to confuse cognitive impairment as depression - or vice versa. The following are behavioral symptoms of both depression and cognitive impairment:

lowered self-esteem
self-blame
forgetfulness
indecisiveness

Additional signs of depressions that are also signs of cognitive decline, include:

hypomimia1
apathy
psychomotor slowness
fatigue
reluctance to communicate

Research studies have proven there is a relation between AD and depression. It is unknown (and often debated) whether depression is a preceding pathology and a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease or it is a component of AD. Some studies indicate depression may act as both a risk factor and an early symptom of Alzheimer’s by contributing to brain changes such as elevated cortisol, inflammation, reduced nerve growth factors, and vascular damage, all of which accelerate cognitive decline.

I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) about eighteen years ago. I tend to believe that MDD was a risk factor and a symptom for my AD. My depression worsened significantly in early 2025 (about five months prior to my official AD diagnosis.) In fact, my primary care physician increased the dosage of my antidepressant medication in February 2025. I did not report my memory and cognitive decline until several months later. Looking back, that was dumbass decision I made.

Depression often occurs during the early and middle stages of AD. In my case, my depression seems to be worsening at the same time my AD symptoms appear to be progressing. It is certainly possible that I am slowing moving from early to middle stages of AD.

I must follow my own precautions though and not confuse depression as cognitive decline.

MDD is difficult to diagnose since there is not a definitive biomarker. In fact, MDD is considered a syndrome rather than a disease. Subjective questionnaires and behavior observation are generally used to diagnose MDD.

“Additionally, biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s, such as toxic plaque buildup in the brain, can predispose someone to depression. On the other hand, depression might trigger mechanisms that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, making the relationship between the two conditions bidirectional and challenging to untangle.”2

I think the link between depression and AD should be a reminder that we need to take care of both our mental and cognitive health throughout life. Adopting these healthy habits can reduce the risks of both depression and AD:

physical exercise
balanced diet
social engagement
stress management

Most importantly, we should seek medical help at the first signs of depression or cognitive issues. Early diagnosis and effective treatment go hand in hand.

This is an informative video produced by the Integrative Memory Care Clinic at Emory University. I believe this video will help caregivers as they manage depression suffered by their loved ones.

I am going to go pet Big Bit, my emotional support cat. She seems to be a better treatment for my MDD than antidepressants.