World Alzheimer’s Day: Doctor explains how advanced diagnostics differentiate Alzheimer’s, depression and other dementias

Memory loss, confusion, and mood swings may look the same across Alzheimer’s, depression, and other dementias—but new diagnostic tools are helping doctors make earlier and more accurate distinctions. (Image: Pexels)

Alzheimer’s, Depression and other dementias have common symptoms including memory loss, confusion, unable to concentrate and mood swings. This can easily make it hard for both patients and their family members to differentiate. Early and accurate diagnoses are important, as they have different treatment and care needs. Failure to diagnose will result in delayed, inappropriate therapy that may worsen patient outcomes.

However, in the last few years, advances in diagnosis have provided a glimmer of hope. Better neuroimaging protocols, blood-based biomarkers, genetic testing, and cognitive evaluations permit physicians to more accurately distinguish between these conditions. Not only do these tools create a clearer image of the disease process, but they can now be detected and treated earlier, important when it comes to quality of life and slowing progress.

Dr Nilanju Sarmah, Head R&D and Academics, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, spoke with Moneycontrol about how cutting-edge diagnostics have helped in breaking down common symptoms. Thanks to these advances, clinicians finally have objective science at their fingertips rather than relying on guesswork to distinguish the subtle but crucial differences between Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other dementias, while providing patients with tailored treatment that works.

Also Read: Milind Soman flaunts abs at 59; wife Ankita reveals ‘not one of those muscles were made in the gym’

1. Clinical history and symptoms onset:

• Depression occurs suddenly, triggered by life stress, and patients complain of memory loss but learn with cues.
• Alzheimer's occurs gradually, with chronic loss of memory, and the patients themselves remain unaware of the deficits.

• In AD, episodic memory remains impaired despite cues provided.
• In depression, impairments usually reflect suboptimal effort or attention and can be overcome with encouragement.

• MRI/CT scans to rule out strokes, tumours, or structural causes of cognitive impairments.
• Patterns are seen on PET scans:

-Depression will show reduced activity in limbic and frontal regions.

Also Read: Senior oncologist explains what is Struma Ovarii and how this rare ovarian tumour is associated with hyperthyroidism

4. Biomarker testing:

• The hallmark of Alzheimer's is amyloid plaques and tau tangles, and these can be detected by employing amyloid PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing.
• These pathologic findings are not seen in depression, making biomarker testing a wonderful discriminator.

• Recurrent visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition variably, and Parkinsonian features (tremors, rigidity, shuffling gait) are distinctions.
• DaT (dopamine transporter) scanning confirms diminished dopamine activity, in contrast with AD.

• FTD has early behavioural change, personality change, and social disinhibition instead of memory loss.
• Imaging shows selective atrophy of frontal and temporal lobes in contrast to AD, which is mainly of parietal and hippocampal regions.
• Genetic evaluation (e.g., C9orf72 mutation) also distinguishes FTD.

• All of the above, combined with clinical history, neuropsychological assessment, imaging, and biomarkers, give the best approach. Importantly, accurate diagnosis of depression will make it turn around, while early diagnosis of AD, LBD, or FTD makes treatment and planning possible.
• Diagnosis is no longer a matter of categorizing; it is what allows neurologists and psychiatrists to offer proper, individualized treatment, and the patient gets the right treatment at the right time.

Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia’s fitness trainer recommends 5 healthy office snacks you can enjoy guilt-free

FAQs on Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Depression:

1. What are the primary differences between Alzheimer's and dementia?
Alzheimer's is a specific type of dementia characterised by memory loss and cognitive decline due to plaques and tangles in the brain. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

2. How can depression be distinguished from dementia?
Depression may result in memory loss and difficulty concentrating, but these symptoms can often improve with encouragement and treatment. Dementia typically involves a gradual decline that doesn't improve with cues.

3. What diagnostic tests are used to differentiate these conditions?
Neuropsychological testing, brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans), and biomarker testing (amyloid PET imaging, CSF testing) are commonly used to distinguish between Alzheimer's, depression, and other dementias.

4. Can early diagnosis improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's or other dementias?
Yes, early diagnosis allows for timely interventions, planning, and treatment, which can significantly improve the quality of life and slow the progression of the disease.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.