Detecting depression in older adults can be difficult because symptoms may manifest differently than in younger people. For example, some seniors who are experiencing depression may not display sadness as a major symptom, but rather appear to feel tired more regularly or seem more irritable and grumpier than usual.
What makes diagnosing depression in older adults even more difficult than in younger adults is depression can cause people to get confused more easily or struggle to focus on a specific subject. This confusion may appear to be a brain disorder, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, older adults may have other medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, that requires medication whose side effects contribute to depressive symptoms.
However, identifying depression is crucial to developing an effective treatment plan. Here are some signs to look out for, and methods to prevent and treat depression in older adults.
It's important to note that while depression is common in older adults, it's not a "normal" part of aging and requires close attention in people of all ages. Here are some signs of depression in senior citizens:
Some of these symptoms overlap with physical health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, or could be side effects of certain prescription drugs. Identifying the cause for these signs of depression is important for developing a proper treatment plan.
Prevention is the first step to addressing depression in adults. However, the condition is often inevitable and warrants more intensive treatment. Here are some things you can do to try to prevent and treat depression in older adults:
Time with family: Spending time with loved ones is the ultimate contributor to healing. While it might be difficult to get together during COVID, many can still call, video-chat or visit their elderly loved one from a safe distance.
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