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Which of the following is a symptom shared by both depression and dementia?
Declining language skills
Difficulty organizing
Feelings of guilt or regret
Memory impairment
The correct answer is: Memory impairment
Memory impairment is identified as a symptom that can be observed in both depression and dementia. In dementia, memory difficulties are typically related to cognitive decline, where an individual may struggle to recall recent events or remember information learned previously. Meanwhile, in cases of depression, memory impairment might manifest as difficulty concentrating or focusing, which subsequently affects the ability to remember. This overlapping symptom often creates challenges in accurately diagnosing whether an individual is experiencing depression, dementia, or both, as memory issues can significantly impact daily functioning in either condition. Recognizing memory impairment as a common symptom helps in understanding the complexities associated with such mental health issues, emphasizing the need for careful assessment and treatment planning in older adults.