Pseudo-Dementia vs. True Dementia

Research has shown that many older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder also experience cognitive deficits that closely resemble dementia. In 1961, Professor Leslie Kiloh described this phenomenon as “pseudo-dementia.” Later studies, however, found that many of these individuals eventually go on to develop dementia, raising complex challenges for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Older adults and their care teams must often navigate the overlap between depressive symptoms, age-related cognitive changes, and psychiatric dementia symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia. This overlap makes it especially difficult to determine whether an individual is experiencing depression, dementia, or a combination of both—leaving professionals, families, and individuals themselves uncertain about the true cause of their symptoms. This clinical course will compare the symptoms of depression and dementia and examine the risks and consequences of inaccurate diagnoses. From this course attendees will be able to:

1. Define dementia and depressive symptoms associated with dementia.
2. Compare similar cognitive impairments among older adults with major depressive disorder and those living with dementia.
3. Recognize the challenges to providing an accurate diagnosis of dementia or Pseudo-Dementia.
4. Identify effective treatments to improving cognitive impairment among older adults experiencing depression.

1.75 CE credits available for social workers licensed in an ASWB accredited state, as well as New York State licensed social workers. (Please note: New Jersey is not currently covered under our ASWB accreditation, please check back soon). The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America #1898, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/25/2024 – 7/25/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.75 clinical continuing education credits. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0222.  For all disability accommodation needs, please contact education@alzfdn.org.