Depression is a mental illness that manifests as a prolonged feeling of sadness. It interferes with your ability to function in daily life. However, like diabetes or hypertension, depression is a real and treatable medical problem.
As much as aging and depression aren’t attached, it’s still important to identify depression symptoms in older folks.
There are several reasons for this, including the fact that they often differ from those in younger individuals.
Social isolation, the death of a loved one, or long-term medical issues can also make older people more likely to experience depression. Knowing these reasons makes it easier to recognize and get help for aging adults who are suffering from depression.
At the end of the day, recognizing depression in the elderly requires the help of the individual, their family members, and caretakers.
Read along as we help you understand vital information about depression in aging adults, why it is often overlooked and how important it is to recognize it.
What is Depression in Aging Adults?
Depression in aging adults expresses itself as an enduring melancholy, hopelessness, and loss of enjoyment or interest in everyday activities that older persons enjoy. It is a complicated illness that affects people differently.
While some older people may display the typical signs of melancholy, such as chronic sorrow and feelings of worthlessness, others may show their depression by becoming physically ill or losing interest in once-enjoyed hobbies.
This explains why depression in seniors is overlooked. However, it’s easier when one recognizes the differences between symptoms of aging and depression.
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Difference between depression and normal aging-related changes
When older people stop participating in their usual social activities, it’s a significant indicator of depression. Instead of attributing their symptoms to a medical condition, people who are depressed often offer alternative explanations, such as “I don’t feel well enough” or “I don’t have the energy.”
Why Depression in Aging Adults is Often Overlooked
Misconceptions
Some elderly persons who suffer from depression or those who are close to them believe that aging and depression are linked or that deteriorating mental health in elderly care is normal.
Lack of awareness and underreporting due to stigma
The current generation of older people grew up before depression was recognized as a medical condition and a biological ailment. As a result, some elderly people worry that their sickness will be viewed as a weakness in their character or that they will be called “crazy.”
Symptoms overlap with other health conditions
Signs of depression in elderly people may also manifest as bodily complaints, impatience, and/or cognitive impairment instead of overt expressions of sadness like tears.
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Symptoms of Depression in Older Adults
Physical symptoms
Elderly people who are depressed may experience physical changes such as:
- Headaches
- Aches in the muscles
- Joint discomfort
- Aches in the stomach
- A shift in appetite
- Decreased mobility
- Slower reflexes
- Gaining or losing weight
- Absence of vitality
- The feeling of perpetual fatigue
Emotional symptoms
Loneliness and depression in aging adults often results in noticeable emotional changes. It’s vital to pay attention to these emotional shifts:
- Prolonged depressive symptoms or recurrent crying episodes
- An increase in agitation or irritability
- Absence of zeal or drive
- Feelings of self-blame, remorse, or worthlessness
- Absence of concern about one’s hygiene or looks
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of death
Cognitive symptoms
Among the typical behavioural signs of depression in elderly people are:
- Absence of interests and social interactions
- Loss of enthusiasm for once-enjoyed pursuits
- Weight or appetite changes (either loss of appetite or overeating)
- Sleep disorders, such as excessive sleeping or insomnia
- Weariness or a drop in vitality
- Inability to focus or make judgments
Factors Contributing to Depression in Aging Adults
Isolation and loneliness
Depressive symptoms may be more common in older persons who have few social contacts or no social relationships. The impact of loneliness and isolation on mental health in elderly care can be profound.
Loss of loved ones or life changes
People often lose their homes, pets, spouses, family members, or friends as they age. While some people manage these challenging situations successfully, if symptoms persist for more than three to six months following a loss or change, a repeated loss can occasionally lead to unhealthy aging and depression.
Chronic illnesses and medication side effects
People who suffer from long-term illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease may be more susceptible to depression because of the psychological and physical stress these conditions cause.
Genetic factors and family history
Depression in aging adults is more likely to occur in those with a family history of depression, and both genetic and environmental factors may influence this propensity.
The Impact of Untreated Depression in Older Adults
Effects on physical health and quality of life
Clinical depression has been shown to have a major negative impact on physical health. People with serious depression who are recuperating from heart attacks or strokes find it more difficult to make decisions about their medical care. According to a different study, those who suffer from significant depression are more likely to die in the initial months following a heart attack.
Increased risk of self-harm and suicidal tendencies
Suicide is the deadliest, yet most likely, consequence of untreated or inadequately treated depression, particularly in older persons. A 2022 CDC report indicates that almost 53 percent of deaths by suicide in the United States were among people aged 45 and older.
Impact on family members and caregivers
It can be challenging and unpleasant for friends and family to live with someone who is depressed. Working with a family member to assess and get treatment for depression in older adults is often beneficial.
How to Recognize Depression in Aging Adults
Understanding the symptoms and indicators is the first step in identifying loneliness and depression in aging adults. Warning signs of depression in elderly people include:
- Sentiments of sadness or hopelessness.
- Inexplicable or worsened pains and discomfort.
- Loss of enthusiasm for activities or social interactions.
- Decrease of appetite or weight.
- Sentiments of powerlessness or despair.
- Insufficient drive and vitality.
- Sleep difficulties include trouble falling or staying asleep, excessive sleeping, or excessive daytime drowsiness.
- Self-loathing, thoughts of worthlessness, or concerns about being a burden.
- Sluggish speech or action.
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
- Obsession with dying; suicidal ideas.
- Memory issues.
- Disregarding personal hygiene, forgetting medications, or skipping meals.
When it comes to improving mental health in older adults, routine screenings are necessary to manage loneliness and depression in aging adults. Here, they’ll have access to tools that aid mental health practitioners in determining the symptoms of depression in older adults and gauging their intensity.
Treatment Options for Depression in Aging Adults
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressant medications are an effective treatment for depression in older adults. However, you should try antidepressants for at least 6 to 8 weeks because they may take longer to work in older people. Elderly people are also more susceptible to pharmacological side effects and combinations with other medications. Antidepressant use in older persons should be closely supervised due to these safety concerns.
Psychotherapy and counselling
Psychotherapy is often used alone for mild to moderate depression. Short-term therapy (10–20 weeks) has shown promise in various formats. The depressed person should seek out a therapist who is familiar with them and who has worked with elderly folks.
Lifestyle changes
Diet, exercise, and social support are lifestyle modifications that can prevent and treat depressive symptoms. Improved mental health in older adults is a proven effect of lifestyle changes.
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The Role of Brain Supplements in Managing Depression
The synthesis of brain chemicals that influence mood and other brain functions is influenced by vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins. In light of this, depression may be associated with low levels of vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins, including folate and vitamin B-6.
Studies have also shown that omega-3 supplements can reduce symptoms of depression in older adults, especially when taken along with antidepressant medication. In the same light, a 2018 review revealed that some adaptogenic herbs could help fight depression, fatigue, and stress.
There are several studies on how brain supplements for depression in seniors can complement traditional therapies to support brain function, neurotransmitter balance, and overall mental health in older adults.
The National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) states that people with mild-to-moderate depression might benefit from St John’s wort. Ultimately, it’s advisable to use brain supplements for depression in seniors under medical supervision.
Conclusion
Depression in aging adults can worsen aging-related issues and is also not easy to recognize. However, the good news is that it is treatable with the right diagnosis.
Family and loved ones play an important role in improving the mental health in older adults, so keep that in mind if you’re worried that someone you know might be depressed. Going forward, acknowledge and better meet the special requirements of mental health in elderly care.
You can make a big difference by being perceptive, using good communication techniques, and gaining access to the necessary resources like therapy and brain supplements for depression in seniors.