depressed

[fatmax]

my husband has short term memory loss, i catch him crying,and he sleeps alot doc said could be mild cognitive impairment, or dementia,he has a clear brain scan ,never had a stroke, he also has has out of control diabetes. i do and have always done everything for him he always lost things didnt handle finances or money how do you know the difference between depression and dementia

[mammo]

How old is your husband and does he have any other health issues?

[TTCWorried82]

Compared to dementia, depression does not seem to excessively impair language, perception or visiospatial processing.  Moreover, when the mood disturbance is successfully treated, the cognitive impairments often resolve. Furthermore, depressed elderly individuals have been found to report more subjective memory complaints in the absence of the frequent objective memory problems reported for demented individuals.  I would recommend a diagnostic evaluation by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.  This may also assist you in developing healthy ways of supporting him.  But bear in mind that his diabetes could have a significant impact on his mood if not well controlled, so this needs attention too.
Best wishes to you!