Interesting Facts On Alzheimer S Disease

Don’t Be Fooled, Know What The Signs Of Depression Are In The Elderly! by tonia boterf

We all have experienced some form of depression in our lives at some point, but there is a myth that depression in senior adults is normal. As people age, many different things occur that will sadden us but when does it cross the line from being normal sadness, into depression?

I personally saw my mother become severely depressed after understanding she had Alzheimer’s disease and what that meant. I also watched as she made a conscious decision to stop eating and then drinking, in order to die because she didn’t want to live the life of someone with Alzheimer’s disease nor be a burden to her family. Because of my experience, I even wrote a complete e-book on Depression in the Elderly, so others will enjoy their golden years more fully. The Practical Expert wants you to be aware of the signs of depression so that you can take action to reduce or eliminate it, if it appears in your elderly parents or other senior adults.

Whether your senior adult is currently depressed or not, it is wise to have the knowledge to be able to assess things as life continues. If you do think that your loved one may be depressed or has experienced events that can lead to depression, you will be in a much better position to help them before things get too severe because of the knowledge you will have.

Definition of Depression: Depression is a medical illness in which a person has feelings of sadness, discouragement, and lack of self-worth. Grief over a loss is normal and may last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy is not normal.

Possible Symptoms/Signs of Depression in an Elderly Adult:

Sadness – pervasive and long lasting
Fatigue – no known reason for and is chronic
Abandoning or losing interest I hobbies or other fun activities
Social withdrawal & isolation – for no reason
Sleep disturbance (sleeping too much or too little) – be aware that rarely what is reported on how much sleep is gotten is accurate. Close observation is needed.
Increased anxiety or irritability – is it irrational or without cause, does it happen often, seem out of character for the person and there is not medical reason for it?
Complaining of low motivation, lack of energy, physical problems – eliminate that there is any medical reason, even if there is a pre-existing medical problem – check to see if this behavior is new or different. Is this a chronic problem and not typical?
Hopelessness
Helplessness
Obsessive worrying
Memory problems
Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Fixation on death
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Giving things away
Preoccupation with death
Suddenly happier, calmer – this one fools many people, take a closer look as to why.
Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon
Comments: ‘nothing to live for’, ‘won’t be a burden on my family’ and other statements of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness
Physical complaints get worse and can be the predominant symptom of depression in some while in others, it really is just a worsening of the physical ailment and not caused by mentally.
Low motivation
Loss of self worth
Weight loss, loss of appetite, weight gain – when there is no medical reason
Deteriorating health

Summary:
Depression is common but most people do not get the help they need and this is especially true with the elderly. Doctors usually focus on the physical issues and do not the mental issues. Only a medical or mental health professional can diagnose depression but it is usually friends and family who notice the symptoms first and who can then make sure the behaviors are addressed. Sometimes, behaviors that look like depression may actually be caused by something else, but again, only a professional can make the diagnosis.

Senior adults are less likely than the general population to mention that they are depressed or are feeling down to their doctor or family and thus many never receive the help they need and continue to live a less than quality life style.

Untreated depression can lead to illness, alcohol and drug addiction, increased death rate and even suicide. Depression in senior adults is different than in younger individuals. The elderly are less likely to complain, their doctors are less likely to assess them for depression, doctors are very willing to prescribe medications or increase narcotic types of medications if the patient complains of increased pain – without thoroughly checking to see if the increased pain is actually from a physical ailment that has gotten worse or if the increased pain is caused mentally. So many senior adults live fairly isolated, there are fewer opportunities for others to observe that behavior changes and if there are signs of depression.

Elder adults have greater determination to die, give fewer warnings, and use more violent and deadly methods to commit suicide then younger populations. In fact, white men with depression are more likely to commit suicide. Suicide in people ages 80-84 is twice that of the general population. Seniors are apt to do more planning for suicide, have greater resolve and complete suicide at a higher rate. The National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in people over 65 and older to be a major public health problem. Depression, is not diagnosed or treated, decreases the person’s quality of life and could lead to fatal consequences.

The difficult changes that many elderly individuals face-such as the death of a spouse or medical problems-can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. But depression is not a normal or necessary part of aging. In fact, most seniors are satisfied with their lives despite the challenges of growing old.

Left alone, depression not only prevents older adults from enjoying life like they could be, it also takes a heavy toll on their health. But if you learn how to spot the signs of depression and find effective ways to help you or your loved ones can remain happy and vibrant throughout the golden years.

About the Author

Tonia Boterf – The Practical Expert(TM) is there to lend you a hand with some of life’s tougher challenges. Through coaching, articles, books, and other resources, we provide you with the information and the tools you need to help you live your life fully. Try a free trial coaching session today!

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