Often other neurologic deficits accompany dementia such as dyspraxia or subtle speech and language changes. After you have some experience with demented people, you will probably find them pleasant to be with. Talking to demented people does not make you demented. Some depressed people are agitated, however. Demented people are often hyperactive and often have increased appetites early in the course of the disease.
Depressed people are sad, helpless, hopeless, and feel worthless.
They have little interest in the environment and little or nothing gives them pleasure, a condition known as anhedonia. Of course depression and dementia can co-exist, and often do. Occasionally, people with dementia are blissfully ignorant of the state, but most are all too conscious of a tragic loss, even if they can't identify what is lost. Depression can and should be treated whether dementia is also present or not. Diagnostic Approach Distinguish between delirium and dementia.