Seniors and Depression

08/15/2014
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Seniors and Depression: Why?

The recent passing of beloved actor, Robin Williams, has brought the discussion of depression in the elderly to the forefront of our national awareness. As we grapple to understand why a man who was known to be kind and generous and loved by so many could suffer such crippling and severe depression, all we can do is ask questions and try to understand. Williams was 63 when depression took his life on August 10, 2014.

According to webmd.com, clinical depression in the elderly is common. But that doesn’t mean it’s normal or can be expected. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older (though only 10% receive treatment for depression). And in many cases, such as Williams’, a person many have struggled with depression throughout their life; not just as they entered their senior years.

Depression impacts older people differently than younger people. In the elderly, depression often occurs with other medical illnesses and disabilities and lasts longer. Depression in the elderly is also frequently confused with the effects of multiple illnesses and the medicines used to treat them. And depression in seniors can have serious health consequences in addition to the emotional sadness it’s known to cause.

Depression in the elderly often increases their risk of cardiac diseases. Depression doubles an elderly person’s risk of cardiac diseases and increases their risk of death from illness. At the same time, depression reduces a senior’s ability to rehabilitate. Studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the presence of depression substantially increases the likelihood of death from those illnesses.

Depression also has been associated with increased risk of death following a heart attack. For that reason, making sure that an elderly person you are concerned about is evaluated and treated is important, even if the depression is mild. Lastly, depression also increases the risk of suicide, especially in elderly white men. The suicide rate in people ages 80 to 84 is more than twice that of the general population.

Symptoms of depression

Seniors often display symptoms of depression differently. The following are typical symptoms to look for in yourself or another.

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) — or the deaf hotline at 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).

 

Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families since 1992. Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones. Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter.

 

BLOG Date: Friday, August 15, 2014
writer: Ryan Allen

 

Photo taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

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