3 Ways To Recognize Depression In Senior Citizens

Did you know that many elderly citizens are at risk for depressive disorders? This is often called late-life depression, which is the onset of major depression in an individual aged 50 and above. It can refer to a sudden or first-time occurrence of a depressive episode or recurrence of an episode in someone who has had depression in their lifetime.

Sadly, it’s common for the elder to dismiss their own experiences of depression, focusing on its symptoms as problems and believing that their lack of positive thinking is normal. This is a harmful direction of thought, as depression can worsen the risk of physical diseases or lower recovery chances.

If there are seniors in your life that you are concerned about, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them for any signs of depressive episodes. So here are 3 ways to recognize depression in senior citizens and how to help them. Ways To Recognize Depression In Senior Citizens

1. Disturbances In Daily Habits

It’s never a good sign when habits begin to fall apart. Many senior citizens stick to a routine for everyday life, and doing so can actually be very good for them. Therefore, if you notice a senior citizen changing their daily schedule suddenly or unexpectedly, pay close attention.

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The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists specific present symptoms and must exist for a diagnosis of depression. A fair number of them involve the disruption of everyday habits, especially ones that once had a positive effect. So here are some ideas for changes to keep an eye out for: · Disturbance Of Sleep

Depression and other mood problems can very easily affect one’s ability to sleep. A depressed senior citizen may sleep more than usual, less than usual, or even fail to fall asleep at all. · Appetite Changes

It’s not uncommon for dietary habits to shift when depression comes into play. This usually happens with some form of weight change but may occur without it. An individual who is depressed might eat less than usual, more than usual, or even refuse to eat all together. · Personal Hygiene Changes

If someone once cared about their appearance or hygiene has suddenly stopped caring, it might be a sign of depression. For example, if a senior citizen stops dressing up like usual, gives up on putting on makeup, stops bathing, or stops keeping their environment tidy, it’s a cause for concern. · Changes In Energy Levels

Depression can affect someone’s energy levels in pretty obvious ways. Most commonly, it causes decreased energy or reduced activity, typically accompanied by significant fatigue. However, it is also possible for someone who is depressed to experience increased energy levels and suddenly become very active. · Loss Of Interest In Hobbies

This widespread symptom of depression is one you should never ignore. A senior citizen who stops participating in their usual hobbies and doesn’t do anything for days on end may experience depression. 2. Decreased Cognitive Ability

Many people naturally associate a decline in cognitive ability with age, which is not really an incorrect association. But cognitive changes can also be a sign of depression. On their own, they are likely a natural part of aging, but if occurring in tandem with other mood disorder symptoms, it is likely pointing to a depressive problem instead.

According, in part, to the DSM-5, here are some things to look out for: · Decreased Concentration Or Memory

A sudden decline in a senior citizen’s memory or ability to focus on tasks is always a cause for concern. Even if the problem isn’t depression, this change should be brought to a doctor’s attention. · Psychomotor Retardation

Psychomotor retardation refers to the slowing down of motor function and the worsening of speed, strength, coordination, and other similar characteristics. A sudden decline in a senior citizen’s psychomotor ability is always a cause for concern. Even if the problem isn’t depression, this change should be brought to a doctor’s attention. It’s also worth noting that psychomotor skills and an increase in speed can be a symptom of depression too! · Shorter Temper

A shorter temper, especially when the change is sudden, is often a change in how the brain handles, processes, and regulates emotion. A sudden change in a senior citizen’s temper is always a cause for concern. Even if the problem isn’t depression, this change should be brought to a doctor’s attention. 3. Medical Conditions

Medical conditions can be both a cause for and a symptom of depression. It’s a little complicated, but a sudden onset of a serious disease could make an elderly individual more susceptible to depression. It could also be a hint that they’re suffering from: · Dementia

According to Harvard Health , 17% of individuals with Alzheimer’s also develop major depression. In other kinds of dementia, that statistic only increases. These symptoms of depression can occur before or after the development of dementia, meaning it can be both cause and symptom all in one. Plus, when major depression and severe cognitive impairment occur simultaneously, it’s not uncommon for a misdiagnosis of dementia to be given. It can be complicated to distinguish dementia in its early stages from depression, making it tough to diagnose depression when cognitive problems are involved correctly. · Cardiovascular Disease

Did you know that a significant number of people who have a heart attack are already depressed before the incident, and an almost equal number of those who experience a stroke develop depression after that? Depression also increases the mortality rate from heart disease! This can be best explained by the vascular depression hypothesis, which research has supported. According to this hypothesis, brain communication pathways can be disrupted by blood vessel pathology. · Psychosis

In uncommon cases, depression in the elderly can lead to incidents and experiences of psychosis. This refers to developing delusions of all kinds, ranging from emotions of guilt to fears of persecution and other similar experiences. An elderly individual who develops psychosis […]

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