The incidence of depression in the elderly is high, especially for those who reside in hospitals, nursing homes or are receiving care at home. Some studies show that nearly half of nursing home residents are depressed. It is important to know if an elderly person is suffering from depression because depression can result in poor life quality and since it can mask or mimic other medical problems, it may even shorten a person's life.
The trouble is, depression in the elderly is very hard to detect. This is because typical symptoms of depression are similar to the side effects of some medications; can mimic medical problems such as low thyroid or poor circulation; can actually be early symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Depression or any of the above signs are not normal. And it is easy to mistake them for something else since symptoms of depression in the elderly differ from those experienced by younger persons. Particularly hard, is differentiating early dementia from depression, since both share common signs and symptoms. Depression typically brings on symptoms faster than dementia, for example, a decline in memory due to depression is more rapid than with early onset Alzheimer's or dementia. Depression is not usually associated with short-term memory loss and difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, Alzheimer's patients may show impairment in motor skills necessary for writing and speaking whereas depression does not typically affect these things.
Classic symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, anxiety or restlessness, lack of appetite, poor concentration or suicidal thoughts. An elderly person may also experience heart palpitations, poor memory, fatigue and mood changes. It is unclear if these and other additional symptoms are due to the presence of other health problems, the side effects of combined medications or natural aging. The puzzle of diagnosing depression is therefore best left to a medical person who can evaluate all the potential causes. The good news is that depression in the elderly can be treated. There a variety of medications which can help and are often combined with other therapies. Other therapies can include electro-convulsive therapy (if antidepressants alone don't work) and psychotherapy.
Your medical provider can counsel you on how to help determine the best course of action to maximize your chances of assuring a healthy and happy life for your loved one. Early follow up on early warning signs can help you address any medical problems, sort options and deal with or prevent depression.
