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Questions & Answers: Spot Signs of Depression
When older people feel gloomy and empty, they
often shrug off their feelings. Family members,
too, may ignore these warning signs of
depression, thinking they’re "just part of old age."
Yet Linda Lang, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, explains, "The
signs of depression are too serious to ignore. You should
know some key questions and answers about depression
to protect yourself or someone you love."
Q: What are the warning signs of depression in older people?
A: Older adults who are depressed tend to lose
interest in what they once enjoyed and may stop
taking care of themselves. They also may be irritable,
anxious, fatigued, or lose weight. They may even think
about death frequently.
Because some of these symptoms can be signs of
other medical problems, it makes sense to see a
doctor. Some medicines also can cause side effects that
mimic depression.
Q: Maybe it’s dementia, not depression. How can I tell the difference?
A: Depression may come on very quickly, while signs
of dementia creep up over a longer period of time.
While depressed people may have trouble concentrating,
they usually can remember recent events. People with
dementia often can’t.
Q: Is depression linked to other conditions?
A: Sometimes. Depression often goes hand-in-hand
with other ailments, such as heart disease, cancer,
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and anxiety disorders.
It’s also common after a stroke.
In addition, certain medicines can cause or worsen
depression. These include some medicines for arthritis,
high blood pressure, and cancer. Drinking alcohol also
can trigger depression.
Still, depression can affect healthy older adults, too,
including those who never have had it before.
Q: What should I do if I suspect depression?
A: Realize that people with depression may be ashamed
of their feelings. But remind them that depression
affects more than their mood. It can aggravate pain and
worsen aspects of some diseases, such as diabetes and
coronary artery disease. It also can put them at higher risk
for developing physical and cognitive problems. But antidepressant
medicine, therapy, or both can help.
Encourage your loved one to talk to a doctor. If they
are confused or withdrawn, you may want to go to the
doctor with them.
Help an Older Adult Stay Upbeat
Again, Dr. Lang offers some important strategies to help
people avoid some causes of depression:
- If your loved one is a caregiver, encourage them to share the load with another.
- Encourage your loved one to spend time with family and friends. This kind of support helps prevent depression.
- If your relative has lost a spouse, suggest that they join a support group to meet others facing the same issues.
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