May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and emotional well-being for individuals, families, and communities. It’s also a reminder that mental health matters at every stage of life, and for everyone — including people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety and apathy are common for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, yet symptoms are often overlooked or misunderstood. Studies show that individuals with dementia experience clinically significant depression at much higher rates than the general population. In fact, up to 50% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may show depression symptoms — such as persistent sadness, mood swings, social withdrawal, apathy, or even suicidal thoughts.

These symptoms can have a profound impact on quality of life, relationships, and disease progression. When left unrecognized or untreated, they can be mistakenly attributed solely to cognitive decline, leading to missed opportunities for compassionate care and support.

That’s why recognizing and addressing mental health is a critical part of holistic Alzheimer’s care. This Mental Health Awareness Month let’s challenge the stigma and silence surrounding depression in Alzheimer’s, and work to ensure that emotional and psychological support are integrated into every care plan. Everyone living with Alzheimer’s deserves continuity of care that includes attention to mental health across all stages of the disease.