Pseudo-Dementia vs. True Dementia

Clinical Course
2 CE credits
LIVE, Interactive Webinar

Course Description: 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. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentation, engage in instructor-led discussions, and take part in a Q&A session at the end.

From this course attendees will be able to:

1. Explain how untreated depressive symptoms in older adults can resemble cognitive symptoms similar to dementia.
2. Recognize the challenges in differentiating depression from dementia and the overlap with psychiatric dementia symptoms.
3. Understand the potential consequences of an inaccurate or delayed diagnosis.
4. Identify nonpharmacological strategies to support older adults experiencing cognitive and mood changes.