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Is Depression Being
Mistaken for Old Age?
By Lori R. Somekh
Depression disproportionately affects the elderly.
Unfortunately many times the signs of depression can be
confused with signs of aging. In order to properly diagnose
and treat depression in the elderly, individuals, their care
takers and health care providers need to be vigilant in
looking for the signs and symptoms. Depression in the
elderly can be debilitating and effect other areas of
health. Determining if depression is involved is an
important part of the health screening process.
Warning Signs of Depression
When dealing with the elderly and depression, some
detective work is often needed. It is important that the
elderly and their caretakers know the signs and symptoms of
depression. As the elderly tend to have a lot of confounding
factors coming into play at the same time which affect their
health, symptoms of depression are easily masked as signs of
aging. Symptoms of depression vary from person to person.
Some common signs are:
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Difficulty focusing, remembering and staying on task
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, emptiness or helplessness
• Sleeping too much or insomnia
• Eating more or less than normal
• Loss of interest in activities that were enjoyed before
• Crying for long periods of time
• Thoughts of suicide
While these are only a few of the possible symptoms, one can
readily see how depression can easily be mistaken for signs
of aging, precisely because these symptoms are so prevalent
among the elderly. Mental and physical sickness and “old
age” are often considered to be one in the same. According
to the Rotterdam Scan Study, people with an early onset of
depression had an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s
Disease. The study also found that the depression symptoms
did not have to be obvious to run this risk. This study
highlights the fact that early detection and treatment of
depression in the older population is vital in the fight to
lower the risk of Alzheimer Disease. Much more research is
being done to investigate the link between the two. It is
clear however, that the two are linked.
What You Can Do to Improve Quality of Life
One thing is certain: the earlier depression is
diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance a person will
recover and regain a healthy lifestyle. There are many
treatments available for depression. Once diagnosed a
referral should be made to a geriatric psychiatrist. This is
a specialist who is trained to treat depression in the older
population. The treatment can vary from things as simple as
talk therapy, diet changes and exercise to medication. A
combination of all these methods is often used.
It should be understood that the elderly deal with problems
that younger generations do not. They are often dealing with
deaths of loved ones, illness and retirement. They may
suffer financial burdens, not to mention a sense of loss of
control over their lives. These may be issues they have
never dealt with previously and will need to learn new
methods to deal with them emotionally.
Diet is an important factor in dealing with depression in
the elderly. Older people may not be eating like they
should. They may be living alone or on a limited income.
Their diets should be carefully analyzed. While there is no
one food that will “cure” depression, as the saying goes, we
are what we eat, and food does often affect how we feel.
Plenty of whole fresh fruits and vegetables are essential.
These will provide essential vitamins and minerals as well
as antioxidants. Carbohydrates in small amounts can have a
calming effect. Whole grains are especially important for
heart and digestive issues. Good sources of protein,
especially those with Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and
legumes, are recommended.
Exercise is an excellent way to make anyone feel better.
During exercise, the brain releases a neurotransmitter
called serotonin as well as endorphins. These are the body’s
natural “feel good” chemicals. They help a person sleep
better, stabilize the mood and even affect appetite and cell
generation.
Exercise does not have to be an intense workout at the gym.
It can be something as simple as a brisk walk through the
park for 10 to 15 minutes. Elderly people could be
encouraged to take a dance class or a fitness class with
other seniors. This will provide exercise and also give them
needed social interaction.
Getting the elderly population involved socially is also an
essential part of depression treatment and prevention. Many
elderly people withdraw. They may have experienced the loss
of a loved one or friends and feel they are alone. Getting
them back out in the community and involved in activities
that they find enjoyable is helpful.
As you can see, communication and education are vital in
detection of depression in the elderly. If you believe an
older person you care about may be suffering from
depression, bring it to the attention of a health
professional. Effective treatment may make a significant
improvement in the elder person’s overall health. |
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