Behaviors are a difficult thing to observe in a loved one that has dementia. Those behaviors are often similar to those seen with mental illness. Additionally, they may be labeled with terms that include mental illness diagnosis. The documentation may include terms like schizophrenia, psychosis or paranoia. Because of the lack of acceptance of mental health issues in our society, families are often concerned when they see these terms. Often there is fear of a “family” or “hereditary” connection to these new conditions or diagnosis.
Education and understanding of the cause of the behaviors in dementia are critical for those caring for the family member. The symptoms of the psychiatric disease and its manifestations are due to dementia. They are not secondary to a stand-alone psychiatric diagnosis that has any genetic predisposition. The mental health symptoms are due to the diseased brain. Because the brain is no longer function properly, it manifests symptoms that are like those seen in mental illness.
Regardless of the cause of dementia, the brain is not working properly. The mental health diagnosis is simply a way for the clinical team to speak to each other in our language. It allows us to share our findings with our team in a precise language that we all understand. It is the language of an aggregate of symptoms that clarify the treatment options and regimen.
I have had families voice much concern about the diagnosis of a mental illness on the medical record of the individual with dementia. It does not mean that your family is now at higher risk for a mental illness diagnosis in the younger members of your clan. It is solely secondary to the diseased brain and lack of ability to function in a normal way.
If you are concerned, contact me about this or ask your healthcare provider to speak to you about this issue. It may be upsetting to you, and a healthcare practitioner can you help answer your questions.