Considering the challenges that someone 65 years old and above faces such as poor health, a gradual loss of independence, it is commonly thought as normal when the person is moody or grumpy. While it is true that older people experience various life changes, depression however is a serious medical condition. It does not go away by itself and lasts long thus requiring treatment to ensure quality of life, even in old age.
Symptoms of Elderly Depression
The general symptoms of depression listed in the previous article: What is Depression? also are experienced in late-life depression. Older people however, will tend to under-report the symptoms and will not easily admit to feeling sad, down or depressed. This may be due because of age, shame and lack of understanding of the
condition or thinking that it would mean that they are not coping. The symptoms of elderly depression can therefore be noticed in:
• Chronic unexplained physical symptoms such as dizziness, chronic aches and pains or constipation. When a medical exam is done an explanation for the reported symptoms will likely not be found.
• Memory loss can also accompany depression and it could even be treated rather than the underlying depression. Treating the depression instead may perhaps improve memory especially if there is no other cause for memory loss.
• Some behavioral changes such as the refusal to eat, avoiding leaving the house, alcohol or substance abuse, and even frequently talking about death.
In general, depression is caused by aspects such as genetics, hormonal changes, deficiencies in brain chemicals, loss, negative thinking and prolonged stress. Among the elderly however, certain Risk Factors make an older person prone to depression these are:
• Physical ill health that includes cancer, thyroid disease, disability and cerebrovascular disease.
• Lack of a supportive social network
• Losses such as the death of a spouse, siblings, friends, and the less recognized loss of independence, health, home and lifestyle.
Treatment
When left untreated, depression in elderly persons could cause a higher risk for medical illnesses, a decline in cognitive processes such as memory, and an even more serious consequence, suicide. Treatment approaches for late-life depression are similar to those for general depression they are composed of:
• Antidepressant medication which may take longer to work in older people, so trials of at least six to eight weeks may be required.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is also sometimes used when the person has failed to respond to medication, or when the depression is very severe.
• Psychotherapy or counseling is also utilized.
There are several ways of managing depression even when receiving treatment these include:
• Regular, appropriate, exercise.
• Engaging in fun activities.
• Learning good sleep habits, see article on Getting better sleep.
• Watching out for the early signs of depression, and seeking help if these occur.
• Drinking less alcohol and not using illegal drugs.
• Talking about one’s feelings with someone one trusts.
• Taking medication correctly and discussing any side effects with the doctor.
Old age should not be synonymous with constant unhappiness or sadness. Elderly depression is real and treatment is useful in helping the person find the joys in late-life.
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